The New England Patriots are on to Kansas City. However, the team is not sleeping on the outside developments in the NFL and continues to work on keeping its personnel records up to date. It is therefore no surprise to see the Patriots, just two days before the season opener, bring in five players for free agency workouts (per Mike Reiss):
Let's take a closer look at each player to find out how he might fit onto the roster or practice squad:
CB Jarell Carter
A three year starter at Trinity International, Jarell Carter went unselected during this year's draft. The 5'10, 195 lbs cornerback was signed by the Arizona Cardinals after the draft and saw playing time in three preseason games for the team. However, despite two pass deflections he was released during cutdowns. In New England, he might be able to find a spot on a practice squad that currently has no cornerbacks on it.
TE Alex Ellis
Alex Ellis originally entered the NFL in 2016 as an undrafted free agent signing by the Tennessee Titans. The Tennessee product was waived by the Titans in September and subsequently joined the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad. The 6'4, 255 lbs tight end later was promoted to the active roster and appeared in the team's final six games as a rotational option on offense and special teams. Ellis finished his rookie year with three catches for 11 yards as well as one special teams tackle and could potentially serve as an pickup down the line.
CB Cody Riggs
Cody Riggs, who played high school football alongside current Patriots James White and Phillip Dorsett, also entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent signing by the Titans, albeit in 2015. After a rookie season during which the 5'9, 185 lbs defensive back appeared in 11 games on defense and special teams – finishing with seven tackles apiece, one forced fumble and one recover –, Riggs spent his 2016 campaign with the Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was released during final cutdowns last week and at best seems like a practice squad candidate.
CB Channing Stribling
Michigan cornerback Channing Stribling went unselected during the 2017 NFL draft but was later added by the Clevelend Browns as a free agency pickup. The 6'2, 175 lbs defender, who was voted second-team All-Big 10 last season, was unable to crack the team's roster though and released during final cutdowns. A bigger cornerback but one that lacks speed and moving abilities, Stribling might be a developmental addition to the practice squad.
DB Jomal Wiltz
A two-year starter for the Iowa State Cyclones, Jomal Wiltz went undrafted this year and later signed by the Philadelphia Eagles. The 22-year old is an outstanding athlete and projects to work as a slot cornerback at the next level. However, he has not found success in this area with the Eagles and was released on September 2. He did not join Philadelphia's practice squad either and now tries his luck in New England.
All five players brought in for workouts appear to be longshots to make the Patriots' practice squad let alone the 53-man roster. However, the visits allow the team to update its files while simultaneously finding potential emergency signings.