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Patriots Release Veteran Running Back After Corey Kiner Trade
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- Patriots Release Veteran Running Back After Corey Kiner Trade
Patriots Release Veteran Running Back After Corey Kiner Trade originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Hassan Haskins ' opportunity with the New England Patriots lasted less than three weeks. New England released the veteran running back Saturday while officially announcing its trade for Corey Kiner . The Patriots acquired Kiner from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2028 NFL Draft.
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Adding Kiner created an immediate roster squeeze, and Haskins became the odd man out.
The former Michigan standout signed with New England on Aug. 12 and appeared in all three of the Patriots' preseason games. He carried the ball 15 times for 59 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt. Haskins played in Thursday's preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns , but his performance was not enough to keep him on the roster after New England made an outside addition.
The transaction leaves Kiner competing for a role in a backfield that also includes Rhamondre Stevenson , TreVeyon Henderson , Lan Larison , JaMycal Hasty and rookie Jam Miller.
Corey Kiner Trade Changes Patriots Backfield
The Patriots did not give up significant draft capital to acquire Kiner, but the move offered a clear indication of how they viewed their running back depth. Stevenson and Henderson remain secure atop the depth chart. Mike Reiss of ESPN reported that Kiner now projects as New England's third running back behind the established duo.
That spot became available after Terrell Jennings landed on injured reserve.
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Haskins, Larison, Miller and Hasty had been among the players competing to fill the opening. Instead of choosing exclusively from that group, New England traded for Kiner shortly before final roster decisions.
Kiner spent his college career at LSU and Cincinnati , finishing with 3,094 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. He posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons during his final two years with the Bearcats and signed with Arizona as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft. He appeared in four games for the Cardinals as a rookie, carrying the ball 21 times for 71 yards.
Kiner's arrival does not necessarily guarantee him a place on the initial 53-man roster. It does, however, give him an immediate opportunity to secure the No. 3 job.
MORE: Patriots Acquire Running Back In Trade With Cardinals
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Hassan Haskins' Patriots Tenure Ends Quickly
Haskins entered the NFL as a fourth-round selection by the Tennessee Titans in 2022. The 26-year-old spent two seasons with Tennessee before joining the Los Angeles Chargers . He has appeared in 44 regular-season games, recording 229 yards and two touchdowns on 76 carries. Haskins also has caught 18 passes for 119 yards and one score.
His best work often came on special teams, where his size and physical style offered additional value. Haskins initially appeared to have a legitimate opportunity in New England after joining the team midway through August. The Patriots needed more depth behind Stevenson and Henderson, and Haskins received carries in every preseason game.
His release illustrates how quickly the roster can change at this point on the NFL calendar. Haskins remains best known for his outstanding career at Michigan. He rushed for 2,324 yards and 30 touchdowns during four seasons with the Wolverines.
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His signature performance came against Ohio State in 2021. Haskins ran for 169 yards and tied a Michigan record with five rushing touchdowns, helping the Wolverines end an eight-game losing streak in the rivalry.
He finished that season with 1,327 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns while helping Michigan capture its first Big Ten championship since 2004.
Haskins now will look for another opportunity as teams make their final roster adjustments. The Patriots, meanwhile, will use the remaining time before final cuts to determine whether Kiner can become the depth option they were missing.
