Patriots sign minicamp tryout R.J. Prince, release two specialists

The New England Patriots announced the addition of offensive lineman R.J. Prince to the roster on Thursday, releasing specialists Roberto Aguayo and Wes Farnsworth in corresponding moves.

Prince, 26, had participated in New England’s three-day mandatory minicamp this week on a tryout basis.

The 6-foot-6, 311-pound Prince entered the league as an undrafted free agent by way of North Carolina in 2018, and has since been a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. Prince closed out last season on Baltimore’s practice squad, serving as a standard elevation to the gameday roster for December and January matchups. He made 23 starts at guard over the course of his junior and senior years with the Tar Heels.

New England turned the page to minicamp with three kickers and two long snappers in the fold. Both positions have now reduced by one with training camp on the horizon.

Aguayo, 27, resided on a kicker depth chart featuring veteran Nick Folk and rookie Quinn Nordin. A 2016 second-round draft choice out of Florida State, Aguayo concluded this past campaign on New England’s practice squad. The 6-foot-1, 204-pound Aguayo’s career also includes stops with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers.

Farnsworth, 24, joined the Patriots and incumbent long snapper Joe Cardona during organized team activities in May. The 6-foot-1, 240-pound Nevada product previously spent time with the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos after going undrafted in 2019.

Following Thursday’s transactions, New England’s active roster stands at 89.