Yesterday, every NFL team had to cut its roster down to 53 players following the preseason. After this period, players who are waived are free to be claimed by other NFL teams. The New England Patriots made a surprising claim today by bringing in a new quarterback.
Patriots Claim QB Tommy DeVito Off Waives
The Patriots have claimed QB Tommy DeVito off of waivers.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 27, 2025
The Patriots today claimed former New York Giants QB Tommy DeVito off of waivers. The former Syracuse and Illinois QB went undrafted in the 2023 NFL draft before signing with the Giants. He'd start the season on the team's practice squad before getting his chance to play in week 8 of that season. DeVito would play in 9 games during his rookie season, completing 64% of his passes, throwing for 1,101 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. He'd add 195 yards on the ground and 1 touchdown.
In the 2024 season, DeVito would begin the season as the third-string QB behind Daniel Jones and Drew Lock. He wouldn't see the field as much, playing in 3 games that season. Given the additions of vets Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, along with 1st round rookie Jaxson Dart, DeVito always had a low chance of making the roster. With the Patriots claiming, however, could this be a chance for DeVito to improve his stock?
Patriots Reopen Backup QB Competition with New Signing
With the Patriots claiming DeVito, this could signal that the team is looking to improve the backup QB position. Drake Maye will be the Patriots' starting QB this season, but the backup spot wasn't a sure thing. During the preseason, both veteran Joshua Dobbs and undrafted rookie Ben Wooldridge saw playing time with mixed results. Dobbs remains on the roster, while Wooldridge was waived following the conclusion of the preseason.
While the starting job is Drake Maye's to lose, having a backup QB you feel comfortable having to play is a must. You never know when an injury could occur, so you need to make sure that if the starter goes down, someone you trust can go in and at least manage the game. The Patriots will open the 2025 season with a home game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, September 7th at 1:00 PM.