The New England Patriots maximized their roster by claiming outside linebacker Caleb Murphy off of waivers to their 53-man roster on Monday. Murphy became available over the weekend after he was released by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Murphy joining the Patriots will be the third team in as many years for him. He started his career as an undrafted rookie free agent playing for Mike Vrabel on the Tennessee Titans in 2023. Murphy played in three games and recorded two tackles as a rookie under Vrabel.
Patriots Claim OLB Caleb Murphy After Surprising Waive by Chargers
In 2024 without Vrabel in Tennessee, Murphy was waived after two games and quickly picked up by the Chargers. This season, it was surprising to see Murphy get waived again, as he held a legitimate role for the Chargers, recording 129 snaps on defense and 118 snaps on special teams. However, the Chargers needed to make space to activate Khalil Mack to their roster.
This was perceived as an unnecessary risk by the Chargers, as Murphy was showcasing to be a great fit as a pass-rusher for the Chargers’ defense this season. They expected to be able to re-sign him to the practice squad after he cleared waivers, but the Patriots couldn’t pass up a good player dangling in front of them.
With the Patriots, Murphy will have a similar role to what he’s had all season with the Chargers as a depth piece at linebacker and having special teams duties. Murphy joins a position group led by Harold Landry, K’Lavon Chaisson, Keion White, Anfernee Jennings, and Elijah Ponder. The addition gives the Patriots a safeguard to the position as Jennings is injured (missed last two games), White has been in a limited role, and Ponder is also a rookie that has two penalties on special teams this season.
That said, it’s also been suggested by multiple ESPN insiders that the Patriots should look to trade both White and Jennings. So adding Murphy to the roster could also have more value if one of them is traded at the deadline.
Murphy is the next ex-Titan on a long list of players that Vrabel signed to the Patriots. He’ll reunite with Landry, Jack Gibbens, and a familiar coaching staff in New England. Now on the active roster, Murphy will be available for the Patriots in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns.
One last note on Murphy. Vrabel identified him in 2023 as a standout in the Division II circuit at Ferris State where he set the NCAA single-season record with 25.5 sacks and he had 39 tackles for a loss, which tied a record as Murphy led Ferris State to winning back-to-back National Championships.
The Patriots now have three undrafted players on the 53-man roster with Murphy, Ponder, and Efton Chism III.