The Patriots will be able to assemble a practice squad today and I would expect the team to have serious interest in some of their own roster cuts. Before we discuss the potential candidates, let’s review the practice squad information:
- There are 10 players on the practice squad
- Teams can add players to the practice squad at 1:00 PM EST on Sunday, September 4th
- Up to four players on the practice squad can have accrued two years of experience; a “year of experience” is six games on the active roster.
- Players can spend no more than three seasons on the practice squad; six weeks counts as a full year of experience.
- Practice squad players receive a minimum of $6,900 per week, but teams like the Patriots will often pay their players extra so they won’t be poached by other teams...
- ...because practice squad players can sign with any other team’s active roster, other than their current team’s opponent for that given week. So the Patriots can’t sign a Cardinals practice squadder in the week leading up to opening kickoff.
- Teams cannot sign a practice squad player from another team to their own practice squad, unless that player has cleared through waivers.
So with that in mind, here’s a list of players from PatsCap that could be eligible for the practice squad, and here are the players that I think the Patriots would want to bring back, if possible.
1. LB Kamu Grugier-Hill
I wouldn’t be surprised if KGH was the last player cut from the roster and I could see the Patriots offering him a nice contract to join the practice squad. Teams like the Seahawks and Jaguars will likely be looking for his services, so there’s a chance that KGH doesn’t even make it through waivers.
2. CB Cre’Von LeBlanc
LeBlanc was another difficult cut and I’m certain the Patriots would want him around for another camp, or as injury insurance during this upcoming season. LeBlanc suffered a minor hip injury, so it’s possible he’ll go through waivers unclaimed.
3. ED Geneo Grissom
Grissom is one year removed from being a third round pick, so he’ll probably be claimed, but I feel like the Patriots would love to have him around for another season. Grissom was an unrefined prospect and another year could do wonders for his NFL prospects- and next year, the Patriots will have a lot more space available in their defensive front seven.
4. WR DeAndre Carter
The Patriots really like Carter and I wouldn’t be surprised if stuck around this season to be the ultimate replacement for Danny Amendola in 2017. Like LeBlanc, Carter could also serve as injury insurance in case Amendola or Julian Edelman suffer another injury.
5. DT Woodrow Hamilton
Hamilton was unable to crack the deep defensive tackle roster, but he certainly has potential. He reminds me a bit of Kyle Love and I could see Hamilton making his way onto the active roster if someone is hurt. The Herald’s Jeff Howe reports that the Patriots told Hamilton they’d add him to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
6. OG Jon Halapio
The Patriots want to keep Halapio in the system because offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia is a huge fan. Halapio is a fighter and the team loves his mental approach. WEEI’s Chris Price also believes the Patriots are trying to get Halapio on the practice squad.
7. C Bryan Stork
This is the final turn of events for Stork, right? After the whole is he cut? Is he not cut? Is he traded? Is he retired? Is he getting sent back to New England? saga, there has to be some small piece of the world order that wants Stork back on the practice squad, right?