The New England Patriots parted ways with several long-time contributors this offseason. Head coach Mike Vrabel's desire to put his stamp on the roster resulted in key veterans leaving in free agency or getting cut.
One of those players was long snapper Joe Cardona. After spending the last ten years in New England and being the longest-tenured Patriot on the roster, Cardona was released following the drafting of long snapper Julian Ashby in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Cardona then signed with the Miami Dolphins, but not every former Patriots long snapper has been as lucky.
Tucker Addington, who has been Cardona's backup over the years in New England, was just cut by his new team, the Houston Texans, per NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
Former Patriots LS Tucker Addington Cut by Third Team in Less Than a Year
#Texans signed former @WVUfootball standout long snapper Austin Brinkman after the draft to three-year contract with $110,000 guaranteed. With release of Tucker Addington, Brinkman is the only long snapper on the roster @KPRC2 https://t.co/wFmehSxOh2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) June 20, 2025
Addington has had two stints with the Patriots when Cardona has been injured. He has played in four games during those stints and was waived immediately when Cardona was healthy enough to play. Since his last release on October 22, 2024, Addington has bounced around the NFL, getting signed and released by the Dolphins and the Jaguars ever since.
When he signed with the Texans in February, he had a path to be the starter there. Unfortunately, things didn't go according to plan in Houston, either. The Texans signed rookie long snapper Austin Brinkman as an undrafted free agent. And when they signed former first-round pick Damon Arnette Jr. earlier in the week, it was Addington who had to make way for a roster spot.
Perhaps this is Addington's fate in the NFL. He will bounce around and get starts when teams need an emergency backup in case of an injury. Perhaps he will be back in New England if Ashby gets hurt or struggles. Until then, however, the 27-year-old specialist will be looking for his next team.