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Patriots Cut Two Top Rookie WRs to Clear Practice Squad Space
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- Patriots Cut Two Top Rookie WRs to Clear Practice Squad Space
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The New England Patriots just made a move that looks harsh on paper but makes perfect sense for the long haul. They cut two standout rookie wide receivers, Kyle Dixon and Cameron Dorner, to trim the fat before the season starts. This isn't a panic move; it is a calculated gamble to fill the practice squad with fresh blood. According to Patriots.com's Evan Lazar, the team released these undrafted rookies on Saturday to make room for veterans who are locks to start.
The Numbers Behind the Cuts
Dixon put up real numbers that should have earned him a spot on the 53-man roster. In the final preseason matchup versus the Cleveland Browns , he topped the Patriots with eight catches totaling 71 yards. The team clearly valued his potential enough to hand him $252,000 in guaranteed money as an undrafted rookie. That is a lot of cash to spend on a player you might not keep. Yet, the math of the roster limits forces the hand of every general manager. Per reports, the depth at wide receiver in New England is so thick that even a guy with Dixon's production had to go.
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Dorner showed flashes of brilliance that suggest he belongs in the league. He connected on a long reception from backup quarterback Tommy DeVito in the opener against the Indianapolis Colts . Although the play was nullified by an illegal man downfield penalty, the underlying talent remained evident. These are not flukes. They are signs of a player ready to play. The decision to cut him hurts to watch, but it reflects the sheer volume of talent the team has gathered.
With such depth at wide receiver, the Patriots traded Kayshon Boutte to the Houston Texans merely to make room. That trade proved the team has more options than they can possibly use. Their current wager is that Dixon, Dorner, and Nick DeGennaro will clear waivers and join the practice squad. The hope is that these young players get a second look on the practice squad where they can develop without using a roster spot. This strategy allows the team to keep the best talent in the building while staying under the salary cap.
If these players clear waivers, they become immediate candidates for the practice squad. The team is banking on this outcome because it keeps their depth chart full of high-potential guys. It is a bold way to run a team, but it fits the new era of roster management. The Patriots are not afraid to let go of a player who showed promise if it means securing a better spot later. This move shows the front office is thinking ahead, not just reacting to the moment.
