UFL offensive line standout signs with Patriots

Monday afternoon the New England Patriots opened up a roster spot with the release of UDFA guard Ryan Johnson. However, that spot did not stay open for long.

On Monday evening, Pro Football Newsroom was the first to report that the Patriots are signing offensive lineman Liam Fornadel. This is the first weekend Fornadel was eligible to sign after spending the spring in the UFL.

2024 was actually Fornadel's second year playing spring football. He was named All-XFL in 2023 with the DC Defenders, then stayed with the team when the league merged with the USFL this year to form the UFL.

Over the last two years Fornadel played in and started 22 games for DC. In 2023 he made all but one of his starts at left tackle, with the lone other start coming at right guard. This past year that flipped, as he made nine starts at right guard and one at left tackle. In total, the 6-foot-5, 314-pound lineman allowed 19 pressures and just one sack in 787 pass blocking snaps during his spring football career while being penalized only twice.

Prior to joining the Defenders Fornadel was a four-year starter for James Madison. He played both tackle spots and right guard for the Dukes. The 25-year-old went undrafted in 2022 and signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL, but did not appear in a game.

In New England Fornadel will likely compete for a depth offensive line spot on the roster or practice squad. His ability to play four positions should be a help in his pursuit of a roster spot on a team that needs depth at tackle and guard.

With this signing, the Patriots' active roster is full again at 90 players. That does not include defensive end Jothan Russell, who is a part of the International Pathway Program.