Patriots claim 4 players off waiver wire

On Tuesday the New England Patriots set their initial 53-man roster. There's a reason it's called the 'initial' roster though, with moves continuing in the weeks leading up to the season opener. That process began Wednesday afternoon with the first waiver cycle of the 2024 regular season.

The Patriots - who had the third waiver priority - claimed four players, which was reported Wednesday afternoon. Only the Panthers, who had the top waiver priority, claimed more.

Included in the Patriots' additions are two offensive linemen - Zachary Thomas from the Rams and Demontrey Jacobs from the Broncos. They also added two defensive players - defensive tackle Eric Johnson from the Colts and linebacker Curtis Jacobs from the Chiefs.

Thomas, 26, was a sixth-round pick by the Bears in 2022. After starting his rookie season on the practice squad he was signed by the Rams mid-season. Thomas appeared in three games over the last two years, filling in one game at left tackle last year. He spent this preseason playing guard.

Demontrey Jacobs, 25, entered the NFL as a UDFA in 2023, signing with the Broncos. He spent the season on Denver's practice squad, and was there this summer as well. Jacobs was a two-year starter at USF in college playing both tackle spots. He played left tackle this summer.

Johnson, 26, was a fifth-round pick by the Colts in 2022. He's appeared in 28 games over the last two years, recording 18 tackles and a sack.

Curtis Jacobs, 22, is the lone rookie of the group. He signed with the Chiefs as a UDFA out of Penn State back in the spring.

The Patriots had to make four corresponding moves to open up roster spots for these four players. Later Wednesday afternoon, the team announced the release of CB Isaiah Bolden, DT Trysten Hill, G Michael Jordan and WR Jalen Reagor.

As for Patriots players hitting waivers, none of their cuts were claimed on Wednesday. They did have a two players sign elsewhere on practice squads after clearing waivers, with quarterback Bailey Zappe joining the Chiefs and defensive lineman Sam Roberts joining the Bears.