As the New England Patriots wrap up training camp and approach the roster cutdown deadline before the regular season begins on September 7, 2025, head coach Mike Vrabel and his staff face tough decisions. With two preseason games remaining following their dominant 48-18 win over Washington on August 8, the team has evaluated players through padded practices and game action. While some players have solidified their roles, others who were key contributors in 2024 could face surprising cuts. Here are five Patriots veterans at risk, with the cases for and against their departure, and why each move would shock fans.
1. Cole Strange, Left Guard
Case for the Cut: The coaching staff appears to favor rookie Jared Wilson over Cole Strange for the starting left guard role. Wilson started in the preseason opener, consistently taking first-team reps in practice, while Strange has been shifted to center to address snapping issues. Strange’s 2024 season was derailed by a torn patellar tendon, limiting him to three games, and as a 2022 first-round pick under the Bill Belichick regime, he may not align with Vrabel’s vision for a younger, more athletic offensive line alongside rookie Will Campbell.
Case Against the Cut: The Patriots’ interior offensive line lacks depth, making Strange’s versatility valuable. His experience at left guard and ability to play center in a pinch bolster the team’s options. Cutting a player with starting experience at a historically weak position could be risky, especially given his familiarity with the system.
Why It’s Surprising: Releasing a 2022 first-round pick just three years into his career would signal a rare admission of a draft misstep. Compared to Kansas City’s George Karlaftis, selected immediately after Strange and recently signed to a $93 million extension, Strange’s potential cut would underscore a significant organizational pivot.
2. Kyle Dugger, Safety
Case for the Cut: Kyle Dugger’s performance dipped in 2024, with no interceptions for the first time since his rookie year and reduced stats across the board. Recent training camp developments show him taking second-team reps, while Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Wilson have gained first-team opportunities. With a four-year, $58 million contract, Dugger would be an expensive backup, and the Patriots’ financial flexibility could allow them to prioritize younger talent.
Case Against the Cut: Dugger’s 2023 season, with 109 tackles and four interceptions, highlights his playmaking ability. At 29, he remains a respected team captain with a strong work ethic, forged from his Division II roots at Lenoir-Rhyne. His leadership is vital for a transitioning roster, and letting him thrive elsewhere could reflect poorly on the front office.
Why It’s Surprising: Dugger has been a cornerstone of the Patriots’ defense, one of their strongest units. His recent slide down the depth chart is unexpected, given his contract and past contributions, making a cut a stunning departure from expectations.
3. Ja’Lynn Polk, Wide Receiver
Case for the Cut: Ja’Lynn Polk’s offseason shoulder surgery and injuries during training camp and the preseason limited his visibility. His rookie year was modest, with 12 catches for 87 yards, and the crowded receiver room—featuring Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Mack Hollins—leaves little room. Javon Baker’s special teams contributions and Efton Chism’s camp buzz further jeopardize Polk’s spot.
Case Against the Cut: As a 2024 second-round pick (No. 37 overall), Polk represents a significant investment. At 23, he has room to grow into a key target for Drake Maye. Releasing a high draft pick at a position of need would be a setback for a team struggling to develop receivers.
Why It’s Surprising: Cutting a recent top-40 pick, especially at a historically weak position for the Patriots, would be seen as wasteful. The team’s failure to consistently draft and develop receivers, with Jakobi Meyers as a rare success, amplifies the shock of potentially letting Polk go.
4. Jahlani Tavai, Linebacker
Case for the Cut: Vrabel’s preference for familiar players from his Tennessee tenure, like Robert Spillane, Harold Landry, and Jack Gibbens, may sideline Jahlani Tavai. A calf injury limited Tavai’s training camp participation, and his early career struggles in Detroit, which led to his release, could make him expendable under a new regime despite his recent success in New England.
Case Against the Cut: Tavai has been a tackling machine, with over 110 tackles in each of the last two seasons and perfect game attendance since joining the Patriots. His three-year, $15 million contract is cost-effective, and his consistency across two prior coaching staffs highlights his reliability.
Why It’s Surprising: Releasing the team’s leading tackler for two consecutive years would be a bold move, especially after cutting Ja’Whaun Bentley last year. Tavai’s production and durability make him a seemingly safe roster lock, so his departure would stun fans.
5. Kendrick Bourne, Wide Receiver
Case for the Cut: Injuries have plagued Kendrick Bourne, who missed 14 games over the past two seasons, including a 2023 ACL tear. At 30, he’s among the older receivers, and the Patriots may prioritize younger talents like Javon Baker or Efton Chism. Bourne hasn’t surpassed 450 receiving yards since 2021, potentially making him expendable in a revamped receiver corps.
Case Against the Cut: Bourne’s 2021 career-high of 800 yards and five touchdowns in Josh McDaniels’ system shows his potential. As a respected veteran familiar with the offensive coordinator, he brings stability to a young position group. His 2023 season was on pace for a career-best before his injury.
Why It’s Surprising: Bourne’s proven production when healthy and his leadership make him a valuable asset. Cutting him in favor of unproven players would be a risky move for a team aiming to support Drake Maye with reliable targets.
Looking Ahead
As the Patriots finalize their 53-man roster, Vrabel’s emphasis on youth, discipline, and alignment with his system could lead to unexpected cuts. While Strange, Dugger, Polk, Tavai, and Bourne were key contributors in 2024, their roster spots are not guaranteed. With the regular season looming, these decisions will shape New England’s path toward rebuilding a competitive AFC contender in 2025.
© 2025 The Boston Proper. All rights reserved. Reproduction or distribution of this material without prior written permission is prohibited.
