Patriots host four players for free agent workouts
On Sunday, the Patriots hosted four players at Gillette Stadium for free agent workouts. Practice squad signings begin later this week.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 23: Bubba Bolden #21 of the Miami Hurricanes looks to defend against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on October 23, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Mark Brown/Getty ImagesWith roster cuts approaching (the deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m.), most of the focus right now is on which players the Patriots will subtract from their roster. Once those cuts are done though, the team will start adding again, filling out the practice squad and potentially additional roster spots.
Even as they get ready to cut to 53, the Patriots are also getting a head start on that second step too. On Sunday, the team hosted four free agents for workouts at Gillette Stadium. Here's a look at who they had in the building...
WR Dazz Newsome
NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 28: Dazz Newsome #83 of the Chicago Bears runs the ball and is chased by Bradley McDougald #30 of the Tennessee Titans during an NFL preseason game at Nissan Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Bears defeated the Titans 27-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The Patriots' interest in Newsome had previously been reported. Newsome is a slot receiver and return specialist who was drafted by the Bears in the sixth round last season. He played sparingly during his rookie year in part due to a broken collarbone. In three games, he returned six punts for 75 yards and caught two passes for 23 yards and a touchdown.
Chicago released Newsome last week. Since then, he's also had a workout with the Titans in addition to the Patriots.
OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
Aug 21, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (72) reacts after a play against the Buffalo Bill during the second half at Soldier Field. Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
If Wheatley Jr.'s name sounds familiar, it may be because he is the son of the former Giants and Raiders running back who played in the late 90's and early 00's. The younger Wheatley went undrafted at a tight end out of Stony Brook (where he spent one year after transferring from Michigan) in 2021, then took part in The Spring League where he switched to tackle.
Wheatley signed with the Chicago Bears the next fall, and spent all of last season on their practice squad. He began this summer with the Las Vegas Raiders, and was released during first roster cuts.
OL Derek Kerstetter
Sep 12, 2020; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns center Derek Kerstetter (68) blocks after snapping the ball in the first half against the Texas El Paso Miners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Kerstetter entered this season as a UDFA out of Texas. He initially signed with the Buffalo Bills. At 6-foot-5, 310 pounds, Kerstetter has the potential to play multiple spots along the offensive line.
S Bubba Bolden
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Bubba Bolden #21 of the Miami Hurricanes looks to defend against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on October 23, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Bolden was a top recruit coming out of high school. He initially committed to USC, spending two years there before transferring to Miami to finish his college career. After going undrafted, he signed with the Seahawks, and spent the summer with them before being released last week.
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.
