FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots have added some experience to their secondary.
On Wednesday, the team signed former starting safety Richie Grant to their practice squad. A second-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, Grant comes to the Patriots having started 33 of 67 games in the NFL.
The team is dealing with some depth issues at the position, with Jaylinn Hawkins dealing with a hamstring injury. Hawkins missed Sunday’s win in New Orleans and was absent during Wednesday’s practice.
With the veteran out, Kyle Dugger started next to rookie Craig Woodson on Sunday. The team also has Dell Pettus on the depth chart.
By adding Grant, the Patriots add a once high-profile prospect and experienced safety to the room.
A standout at UCF, Grant was drafted 40th overall by the Falcons in the 2021 NFL draft. After playing as a reserve during his rookie season, Grant started in Atlanta in 2022 and 2023.
In 2023, he made a career-high 123 total tackles to go with seven passes defended and two interceptions. In 2023, he made 103 tackles to go with a career-high three sacks, six passes defended, and an interception.
By 2024, however, Grant lost his starting job to veteran safety Justin Simmons. He played as a core special teamer that year for the Falcons. The 27-year-old signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers this offseason and was released at the end of training camp.
Now, Grant joins the Patriots, adding more depth to the safety room.
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