The New England Patriots gave Hassan Haskins a reunion with Mike Vrabel earlier in August. It lasted just 17 days.
New England released the veteran running back Saturday as it continued trimming its roster ahead of the NFL’s 53-man deadline. ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported the move on Aug. 29, hours after the Patriots added another option to its running back room.
“RB Hassan Haskins has been released, the Patriots announced,” Reiss wrote.
RB Hassan Haskins has been released, the Patriots announced.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 29, 2026
The decision came shortly after the Patriots acquired Corey Kiner from the Arizona Cardinals for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick. Reuters reported that Kiner is expected to slot in behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson in the backfield.
That addition left Haskins in a difficult spot despite his previous connection to Vrabel and a significant role in New England’s preseason finale.
Haskins’ Patriots Reunion With Mike Vrabel EndsGettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 27: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots looks on during the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on August 27, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)The Patriots signed Haskins on Aug. 12, bringing in an experienced option after injuries began thinning their running back depth.
There was already plenty of familiarity between the two sides.
The Tennessee Titans selected Hassan Haskins in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft while Vrabel was the team’s head coach. The 6-foot-2, 228-pound Michigan product spent his first two NFL seasons in Tennessee before the Titans released him at the end of the 2024 preseason.
The Los Angeles Chargers claimed him off waivers, and he went on to appear in 29 games over two seasons with the franchise.
Haskins brought legitimate regular-season experience to New England. Per the Patriots’ announcement of his signing, he has appeared in 44 career games with one start, rushing 76 times for 229 yards and two touchdowns. He has also contributed as a receiver and kickoff returner.
His special teams background appeared particularly useful in his push for a roster spot. Haskins entered Patriots camp with 28 career kickoff returns for 646 yards and received return opportunities during his brief stay in New England.
The reunion ultimately did not result in another regular-season stint with Vrabel.
Patriots Make Backfield Change After Preseason FinaleHaskins received a final chance to bolster his case Thursday against the Cleveland Browns.
He led New England with 11 carries for 38 yards in the 37-13 loss, including a 14-yard run. His 38 rushing yards were a team high as New England rested most of its offensive contributors.
Haskins had also rushed nine times for 31 yards over his first two preseason appearances with the Patriots. His ability to handle carries and contribute on special teams gave him multiple paths toward the final roster.
New England still chose to look elsewhere.
The trade for Kiner offered a strong indication that the Patriots were not satisfied with the options competing for the No. 3 job. Kiner appeared in four regular-season games for Arizona as a rookie in 2025, rushing 12 times for 58 yards and catching two passes for 15 yards.
The 24-year-old now gets the opportunity Haskins had been chasing.
Stevenson and Henderson remain entrenched atop the Patriots’ depth chart, leaving the remaining competition centered on the reserve spots.
Unfortunately, Saturday’s move brings an abrupt end to a reunion that could’ve turned into something more.
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