Patriots Make Stunning Call on 2025 Fifth-Round Pick Bradyn Swinson

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Patriots Make Stunning Call on 2025 Fifth-Round Pick Bradyn Swinson

Heena Singh

Sun, August 30, 2026 at 8:17 PM UTC ·

3 min read

Bradyn Swinson's Sudden Fall Leaves Patriots With A Tough Roster Decision

Jul 23, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Bradyn Swinson (43) walks to the practice field for training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Swinson was drafted as the 146th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Patriots, after transferring from the University of Oregon to LSU. Standing at six foot, four inches tall and weighing 255 pounds, he had the physical ability and athletic traits to become an effective rush defender; nonetheless, his rookie year was rather slow.

After being released through waivers during the preseason, Swinson ended up with the Patriots' practice squad, only to be later promoted in November. He played in only four games, taking part in 27 defensive plays and 31 special teams plays, having one tackle.

His path to the 2026 roster was always going to be complicated. The Patriots revamped its edge group, with veterans and younger players competing for limited spots. Dre'Mont Jones and Elijah Ponder were ahead of Swinson, while rookie Quintayvious Hutchins began making a late push. Then there was second-round pick Gabe Jacas, whose development became one of the more encouraging stories of training camp.

That competition ultimately left Swinson without enough momentum to secure a spot. The timing makes the decision even more surprising. New England had already been searching for answers at outside linebacker, with Harold Landry III still on the physically unable to perform list, but instead of holding onto Swinson as insurance, the Patriots chose to move forward with other options.

Swinson's release also highlights how quickly a draft pick can fall down an NFL depth chart. A fifth-round selection is hardly guaranteed a long runway, especially when a team believes younger players or cheaper options offer more upside.

The Patriots' coaching staff has been particularly high on Jacas. Outside linebackers coach Mike Smith praised the rookie's progress after he missed the entire spring because of injury and contract-related issues. Jacas has had to absorb a significant amount of defensive information in a short period; however, his physical tools and approach have kept him firmly in the conversation.

Smith even went as far as saying Jacas would be difficult to fail with, pointing to his size, athleticism, toughness, and love for football. That endorsement helps explain why Swinson became expendable. Still, this doesn't necessarily have to be the end of Swinson's time with the Patriots. If he clears waivers, the Patriots could attempt to bring him back to the practice squad, giving him another opportunity to develop without using one of their 53-man roster spots.

Bradyn Swinson's Sudden Fall Leaves Patriots With A Tough Roster Decision

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