New England trades Ja’Lynn Polk to New Orleans and promotes Kobee Minor and Mark Robinson from the practice squad. Polk, a 2024 second-rounder, logged 12 catches for 87 yards and 2 TDs in 15 games before a shoulder injury ended his rookie season. Minor (Memphis, 2025 seventh-round) and Robinson (Pittsburgh, 2022 seventh-round) join as active players as NE heads to Miami for a pivotal Sunday matchup.

The Saints acquire Polk to bolster their WR corps, while New England leans on depth pieces on defense and special teams heading into the clash with the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m.

New England trimmed to 53, cutting Cole Strange despite depth concerns on the offensive line. Jared Wilson is expected to start at left guard with Caedan Wallace backing him, while Strange hits the market after a knee-recovery season that limited him to three games in 2024. Ja'Lynn Polk and Jahlani Tavai land on injured reserve; Bradyn Swinson is waived. Kyle Duggar trade talks swirl as the Pats recalibrate for 2025, with eight receivers on the roster and an eye toward more youth up front.

Vrabel’s roster moves reflect a fluid approach: preserve depth along the line, but lean into the young interior blockers and a reshaped back seven. Fantasy implications center on early-season snap splits, the viability of Wilson at guard, and how quickly the Patriots stabilize protection and the run game amid ongoing trade chatter and IR designations.

The New England Patriots pared down to the 53-man limit, shipping Truman Jones after a productive summer. Jones, who joined from Kansas City’s title squad, made a strong bid as an edge presence and wore No. 54, a number linked to Bruschi and Hightower lore. If he clears waivers, New England could call him back for game-day elevations.

Offseason award winners DeMario Douglas, Cole Strange, and Khyiris Tonga stood out with leadership vibes in camp, while Marte Mapu appears to have secured a spot. The Patriots still weigh other bubble players ahead of the 4 p.m. deadline.

Patriots fans will want to monitor waiver results and potential quick recalls as the 53-man process unfolds.

Isaiah Bond's fully guaranteed three-year, 3.018 million contract with Cleveland marks a rare gamble on a 2025 undrafted free agent. The guarantee dwarfs prior undrafted sums (most were around 300k) and even tops the 2024 ceiling of 350k. Bond’s college resume—99 catches, 1,428 yards, 10 TDs across Alabama and Texas—plus a cleared case help explain the Browns' confidence. Cleveland’s WR room already houses Jerry Jeudy, Diontae Johnson and Cedric Tillman, yet Bond’s speed and route-running could push him up the depth chart quickly. Bond’s guarantee means he’d collect the full amount even if cut before Week 1, a rare safety net for a UDFA. The Browns have a history of eye-opening guarantees (Deshaun Watson), but Bond’s case centers on upside, development, and a potential early impact role.