6 Patriots Who Could Be Cut Before Playing a Snap

1. Oshane Ximines, EDGE

We already mentioned the weak side linebacker as a pass-rushing position and the Patriots have an excellent starter there in Matthew Judon.

The former Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowler signed with New England in 2021 and instantly had his best season as a pro. That year, he recorded 12.5 sacks which was a career high. He then topped that in 2022 with 15.5 sacks — which led to his fourth consecutive trip to the Pro Bowl.

Judon was off to a fast start in 2023 with four sacks in four games before suffering a torn lower bicep in their loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He should be back at 100 percent and the Patriots have a couple of solid backups in Josh Uche and Raekwon McMillain (who is coming off a torn Achilles).

Another name was thrown into the mix when they signed Oshane Ximines this offseason. A former third-round pick of the New York Giants, Ximines was the first player from Old Dominion to be selected in the NFL Draft. As a rookie, he showed off some pass-rushing prowess with 4.5 sacks and 12 pressures.

From there, things went in the wrong direction.

Ximines dealt with injuries to his shoulder in 2021 causing him to miss 12 games and then he missed seven in 2021 due in large part to hamstring issues. In 2023, he played in just three games before being released, finishing with just two sacks since his rookie campaign.

Now in New England, he finds himself battling for a spot and it might be too crowded for him to make his way to the roster.

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