Just under four months ago, the New England Patriots finished another disastrous season with a 4-13 record. Changes were made again, and now we will see a third different coaching staff in three years.
This time, however, the new regime, led by head coach Mike Vrabel, has taken a new approach with the roster, parting ways with long-time veterans who were a part of the last Patriots Super Bowl-winning team. At the end of last season, the Patriots had five players who were on the 2018 Super Bowl team. Before the start of the NFL Draft, all but one remained.
Deatrich Wise Jr. and Jonathan Jones signed with the Washington Commanders in free agency, while David Andrews and Ja’Whaun Bentley were released. On Tuesday, after drafting long-snapper Julian Ashby in the seventh round, the Patriots released the last remaining player of the 2018 team, Joe Cardona.
Patriots Say Goodbye to Joe Cardona
After 10 seasons, the Patriots released two-time Super Bowl champion Joe Cardona. Before being released, Cardona was the longest-tenured Patriot. He was under contract for two more seasons after signing an extension in 2023 for four years, $6.3 million, which made him the highest-paid long-snapper.
In his last season with the Patriots, Cardona was named team captain. Cardona was beloved in New England not only for his play but for being in the Navy Reserve, where he holds the rank, Lieutenant. The Patriots honored Cardona with a goodbye post, thanking him for his years with the organization. (link)
It’s great to see the Patriots honoring Cardona, who’s been a great player and represented the Patriots in the best way possible. He’s been a class act both on and off the field, displaying the kind of player you want on your team.
Although he will no longer play for the Patriots, Jeff Howe reports, Cardona plans to continue his career. Cardona should get an offer somewhere else, as he's shown that he's still a reliable player.
Tuesday was a sad day for Patriots fans who’ve witnessed the Patriots dynasty over the years, as we enter a new era, where no player on any of the Patriots' Super Bowl-winning teams no longer plays for New England.