The New England Patriots waived Will Hastings as the roster trimmed to 80 on Sunday, but the undrafted wide receiver did not need to make travel plans.
As first reported by Jim McBride of the Boston Globe, the Patriots re-signed Hastings on Monday.
The Auburn product, who passed through waivers unclaimed, returns to New England’s fold after fullback Danny Vitale and offensive lineman Najee Toran opted out of the 2020 NFL season due to coronavirus concerns. That movement opened a pair of roster spots.
Hastings takes one.
Hastings and Patriots quarterback Jarrett Stidham connected for 26 completions, 525 yards and four touchdowns during their 2017 campaign at Auburn. The 5-foot-10, 174-pound Hastings suffered a torn ACL the subsequent campaign before Stidham arrived in New England in the fourth round of the 2019 draft. And as a redshirt senior with the Tigers last fall, Hastings recorded 19 receptions for 222 yards and one touchdown.
He clocked the 40-yard dash in 4.51 seconds and the three-cone drill in 6.55 seconds at the school’s pro day in March. A $7,500 signing bonus from New England followed.
The Patriots’ wideout depth chart is scheduled to enter training camp with Julian Edelman, Mohamed Sanu, N’Keal Harry, Jakobi Meyers, Damiere Byrd, Marqise Lee, Gunner Olszewski, Quincy Adeboyejo, Devin Ross, Hastings and fellow rookie free agent Jeff Thomas.
Receivers Sean Riley and Isaiah Zuber passed through waivers on Monday and are now free agents.