The New England Patriots signed undrafted rookie free agent defensive lineman Eric Gregory.
After going undrafted in 2025, Gregory signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and then made their 53-man roster. Then, just two days later, he was waived on Aug. 28 and claimed by the Patriots on Aug. 29. He is now on New England’s 53-man roster.
Gregory (6’4”, 320 lbs.) performed well during the preseason, and it came as a surprise to many of the Bengals fans when he was released after making the roster. He was credited with four quarterback pressures and made two tackles in 96 defensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
Where Will Eric Gregory Land on Patriots' DL Rotation?
Since Gregory didn’t spend any of the preseason in New England, it’s hard to gauge where his status is positioned on the depth chart as he joins a group of Christian Barmore, Milton Williams, Khyris Tonga, Jeremiah Pharms, and fellow rookie Joshua Farmer on the defensive line.
It’s worth noting that Gregory lines up as the second-tallest and heaviest defensive lineman on the roster.
Gregory spent six seasons at Arkansas, recording 44 starts in 61 games, totaling 135 tackles and 9.5 sacks with three pass deflections and one interception.
In a press conference, head coach Mike Vrabel mentioned that Gregory was a player they targeted in the back half of the NFL Draft.
“I think you’re always looking for young defensive linemen. Guys with good size and length and production. Somebody we had targeted through the draft process as it got towards the back end of the draft.”
To Vrabel’s point, Gregory has 33-inch arms and 9 ⅝” hands. He has great form at the point of attack and rarely gets moved backwards. He’s strong and able to get into the backfield and can also handle a double-team.
#Patriots DT Eric Gregory (No. 94) in the preseason vs Washington. He takes on a double-team and almost had the sack, likely a potential safety. pic.twitter.com/UiTx2CHmV9
— Justin Trombino (@Trombino20) September 3, 2025
The new and improved defensive line still has to prove the hype surrounding them, with Barmore still making his return as a full-time player, and the same for Williams, who will have the heaviest workload of his career in his first season with New England.
The addition of Gregory was needed to add depth to the position as a whole after finalizing the roster just days away from Week 1 of the season.