The New England Patriots have made a notable adjustment to their practice squad by signing safety Elliott Davison, a move announced by the team on Thursday afternoon. This signing comes at the expense of defensive tackle Jalen Hunt, who has been released from the squad.
Elliott Davison, 24, entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) in 2025. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 200 pounds, Davison spent his initial regular season on the practice squad of the New Orleans Saints, where he was retained on a futures contract earlier this year. During the preseason, he showcased his skills by participating in 141 snaps across defense and special teams, including one start in the secondary. However, he was not claimed when he cleared waivers at the NFL's 53-man roster deadline last weekend.
On the other hand, Jalen Hunt, 25, had recently joined the Patriots' practice squad after a series of roster moves as the NFL season approached. The 6-foot-2, 310-pound defensive lineman began his career at Michigan State before transferring to the University of Cincinnati, where he played during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Over his collegiate career, Hunt appeared in 48 games, recording 48 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Despite his promising background, he was unable to secure a spot on the active roster.
The current practice squad for the Patriots now includes a mix of talent across various positions, such as running backs Hassan Haskins and Lan Larison, wide receivers Kyle Dixon and Cameron Dorner, and tight end Shane Zylstra. The defensive lineup features players like Eric Gregory and Jeremiah Pharms Jr., along with linebackers Jose Ramirez, K.J. Britt, and Riley Wilson. Additionally, defensive backs Kindle Vildor and Mike Brown round out the squad, alongside punter Mitch Wishnowsky.
As the Patriots navigate their roster in preparation for the upcoming season, they also maintain an exemption for German offensive tackle Lorenz Metz through the NFL's International Player Pathway program. This initiative allows teams to develop international players and integrate them into the league, showcasing the NFL's commitment to expanding its global reach.
The addition of Davison to the practice squad reflects the Patriots' ongoing strategy to bolster their defensive backfield as they prepare for the challenges of the season ahead. With the team's focus on building a competitive roster, every move is crucial as they aim to improve upon their previous season's performance.
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