Patriots waive offensive lineman
Dustin Woodard unretired last week, but on Friday Mike Reiss reported the Patriots have waived the 2020 seventh-round pick.
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 24: A New England Patriots helmet during the first half of the game between the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesDustin Woodard's first stint with the Patriots lasted only a few months. After being drafted in the seventh round of the 2020 draft, he retired a few weeks into training camp in August. Woodard unretired last week, but on Friday Mike Reiss reported he's been waived by the team.
Woodard faced an uphill battle to make the Patriots' 2021 roster. After re-signing David Andrews and reacquiring Ted Karras in the first week of free agency, the team is more than set at center - Woodard's primary position. He'd likely have to transition to guard, where the Patriots don't have as much depth, to earn a backup role.
The Patriots have now released three of their final five picks from the 2020 draft, after kicker Justin Rohrwasser and linebacker Cassh Maluia were cut last month. However, the two remaining players from that group - Michael Onwenu and Justin Herron - have proven to be starting-caliber players on the offensive line.
With Woodard no longer on the roster, the Patriots now have 76 players under contract. That leaves them with 14 open spots. They're scheduled to make 10 picks in the upcoming draft, and will likely want room to add a handful of UDFAs.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
