Despite the New England Patriots enjoying their first practice-free day of this year’s training camp today, the team was still busy: New England made a pair of transactions at the back-end of its roster by releasing a tight end and signing an offensive tackle to fill his spot.
The first move, initially reported by ESPN’s Field Yates, was signing veteran offensive lineman Brian Schwenke:
The Patriots are signing veteran OL Brian Schwenke, according to a league source. He spent the 2017 season with the Titans.
Schwenke entered the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick in 2013. He spent the first four years of his career with the Tennessee Titans and carved out a role as a part-time starter along the interior offensive line. However, the Cal product left in 2016 to sign a free agency deal with the Indianapolis Colts. Schwenke’s tenure did not last long, however, and by September, he was back in Tennessee. Over the course of his career, the 27-year old appeared in 59 games with 30 starts.
To make room for the 6’3, 310 lbs lineman, the Patriots waived undrafted rookie tight end Shane Wimann with an injury designation (per ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss):
The Patriots waived/injured TE/FB Shane Wimann. With the open roster spot, they are signing former Titans OL Brian Schwenke, per @FieldYates. Schwenke adds more experience and depth along o-line, where the Patriots are already pretty deep.
The 23-year old already had his work cut out for before training camp even started as Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen, and Jacob Hollister were favored to make New England’s 53-man roster. Wimann’s release therefore does not come as too big of a surprise, even this early during camp. He becomes the second tight end to be let go within the last four days after the Patriots released veteran Troy Niklas last week.
If Wimann clears waivers, he will revert to New England’s injured reserve.