The Patriots thought highly of John Saunders Jr. leading up to the NFL Draft. That’s why it wasn’t surprising to see the team sign the young safety off Miami’s practice squad last month.
That’s also why it’s not a surprise to see the team bring the rookie back into the fold.
On Wednesday, the Patriots signed Saunders to their practice squad. The team released the safety on Monday as they shuffled their 53-man roster.
This week, the team signed edge rusher Bradyn Swinson and tight end C.J. Dippre to their practice squad. The two rookies were likely receiving interest from other teams, which is why the Patriots opted to sign them off their practice squad. With Milton Williams landing on the injured reserve, one roster spot was open for Swinson. To make room for Dippre, the Patriots released Saunders.
A highly touted undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss, Saunders took a pre-draft visit with the Patriots this spring. After the draft, he signed with the Dolphins, receiving $120,000 in guaranteed money, which is a lot for an undrafted player.
When the Patriots traded Kyle Dugger to Pittsburgh, they signed Saunders off the Dolphins’ practice squad.
“John’s a fantastic guy,” Vrabel said. “We loved our pre-draft visits with him as the person. Again, he’s learning, trying to learn our system, learn how we do things. Everybody does something a little different. So, we’re excited to work with him.”
The rookie didn’t appear in any games for the Patriots, with the team leaning on Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, and Dell Pettus at safety. Saunders joins veteran Richie Grant as another safety on the practice squad.
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