Joe Cardona's departure from the New England Patriots marks a poignant point in the franchise's history. After ten years, the Navy-trained long snapper, who was a key figure during the team's Super Bowl victories, took the time to bid farewell to the staff and teammates at Gillette Stadium. Cardona, who was known for his professionalism and dedication, expressed his gratitude, reflecting on the relationships he built over the decade. With the Patriots drafting a rookie long snapper, the transition signals a broader shift within the team as they aim to rebuild under coach Mike Vrabel.

The New England Patriots surprised many by selecting long snapper Julian Ashby from Vanderbilt in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft. This move illustrated their intent to secure a player they perceived as a valuable asset, especially with multiple teams reportedly interested in Ashby. The Patriots, having amassed numerous draft picks, opted to invest in Ashby rather than risk losing him as an undrafted free agent.

Ashby had workouts with nine teams before the draft, with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer present at one of these sessions. The decision to draft Ashby also suggests the Patriots are looking to move on from veteran long snapper Joe Cardona, whose ten-year tenure with the team is coming to an end. While saying goodbye to a long-time player is difficult, the Patriots see promise in Ashby’s future.

Kelvin Odih, a former standout at La Salle, has committed to play basketball at St. John's under renowned coach Rick Pitino for the upcoming 2025-26 season. A four-star recruit, Odih is expected to bolster the Red Storm's roster with his impressive defensive skills and physicality. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots made headlines by releasing longtime long snapper Joe Cardona, signaling a shift in the roster after his decade-long tenure at the team, which included two Super Bowl victories. With the transfer portal closing, local college basketball teams like Brown, Bryant, Providence, and URI have recently solidified their rosters, welcoming new talent.

The New England Patriots have made significant moves this offseason to strengthen their special teams unit, highlighted by the drafting of kicker Andres Borregales and long snapper Julian Ashby. Ashby, selected in the seventh round, will compete with veteran Joe Cardona, the longest-tenured member of the team. Ashby expressed excitement about joining a franchise with a winning legacy and aims to learn from Cardona, a two-time Super Bowl champion. The addition of Ashby marks the first time the Patriots have drafted a long snapper since 2015 and indicates their commitment to enhancing their special teams performance.