New England edged Minnesota 20-12 in a defensive-minded preseason duel, with Drake Maye stepping in for a couple of Patriot drives and showing composure under limited reps. Maye went 4-for-7 for 46 yards, while veteran Joshua Dobbs competed for Minnesota and Ben Wooldridge led a Patriots backup series. Undrafted Efton Chism III dominated the receiver group for New England, hauling in six catches for 71 yards and a TD. TreVeyon Henderson capped a scoring sequence with an eight-yard TD rush early, and the Pats’ defense again stifled the Vikings to field goals, pushing New England to 2-0 in the exhibition slate.

With the NFL Draft concluded, the New England Patriots made headlines by trading quarterback Joe Milton III to the Dallas Cowboys for a fifth-round pick. This strategic move allowed the Patriots to pick up multiple late-round draft choices. They converted the initial fifth-round pick into three additional selections, ultimately bolstering their roster with players like kicker Andres Borregales from Miami and long-snapper Julian Ashby from Vanderbilt.

To fill the backup quarterback role after Milton's departure, the Patriots signed Ben Wooldridge, a standout from Louisiana. This acquisition adds depth to the quarterback position as the team looks to strengthen its overall performance in the upcoming season.

The New England Patriots concluded the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting 11 players, focusing on surrounding quarterback Drake Maye with offensive talent while addressing key roster gaps. Notable picks include a mix of skill positions and linemen to bolster their lineup. The team also prioritized undrafted free agents, recognizing the potential of players like quarterback Ben Wooldridge, linebacker Cam Riley, and running back Lan Larison, who posted impressive collegiate stats. The Patriots continue to exploit undrafted talent, underscoring their historically successful practice of finding key contributors outside the draft.