**FOXBOROUGH, Mass.** – The New England Patriots announced today that they have signed rookie free agent S Eric Butler from San Diego State. In addition, the Patriots released rookie free agent DT David Blay Jr.
**Butler**, 23, played in 48 games during his college career and finished with 119 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception that he returned for a touchdown. The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder, also blocked two punts while in college.
**Blay**, 23, was signed by New England as a rookie free agent from Miami (Fla.) on May 8, 2026. The 6-foot-2, 292-pounder, played at West Chester (2021-22), Louisiana Tech (2023-24) and Miami (Fla.) in 2025. Overall, he played in 46 games during his college career and finished with 129 total tackles, 11½ sacks, 1 pass defensed and 1 forced fumble.