The New England Patriots have spent the offseason reshaping their identity under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
With a franchise quarterback brewing in the wings in Drake Maye, and a front office determined to overhaul the roster from top to bottom, no one’s job is guaranteed, especially as the team builds toward long-term sustainability.
This article isn’t about what should happen or pushing for fan-favorite players to be cut. Instead, we’re exploring surprise roster cuts—moves that would raise eyebrows but make sense when you look at depth chart dynamics, cap flexibility and the team’s evolving philosophies on both sides of the ball.
Let’s dive into a few players who could unexpectedly find themselves on the outside looking in by the end of training camp.
1. Demario Douglas, WR
Let’s be clear: DeMario “Pop” Douglas was one of the few bright spots in New England’s 2023 and 2024 offense. His quick-twitch ability and explosive change of direction made him an instant fan favorite and a go-to target in a struggling passing game. But the 2025 roster build tells a different story.
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The wide receiver room is crowded—perhaps the most loaded it’s been in years:
Stefon Diggs – locked into WR1 duties and brings a leadership presence. Kyle Williams – looks like a high-volume option and foundational piece, and was just drafted. Mack Hollins – fits the Vrabel/McDaniels mold as a boundary blocker and enforcer. They just brought him in here as a culture guy, so it’s unlikely he is moved. Kayshon Boutte – another productive young receiver with upside, has reportedly turned a corner and brings more size and downfield potential. Ja’Lynn Polk – drafted in 2024 at No. 37 overall, so he is going to have a long leash for 2025. Efton Chism III – one of the early breakout performers in camp, offering return value, route IQ, and versatility but is not as twitchy as Douglas.
Keeping both Douglas and Chism would be redundant. Both are smaller slot receivers, and both would require designed touches to make a weekly impact. If the Patriots prefer to diversify their receiver archetypes—or save a roster spot for special teams—Douglas could become an unlikely trade candidate, or even a cut.
This wouldn’t be about talent. It would be about fit, direction and managing a suddenly deep receivers room. It would certainly be surprising, but not impossible. I, for one, would love to keep them both and move on from Mack Hollins, if I had to make a choice.
However, Vrabel has kept more than six receivers on a roster, and he could opt to keep seven this year.
2. Jahlani Tavai, LB
This one may be slightly less shocking to close observers, but it would still represent a notable departure from recent seasons.
Jahlani Tavai was one of Bill Belichick’s trusted linebackers—a smart, physical player who filled multiple roles in the front seven and contributed on special teams. But the Patriots’ current linebacker group looks very different under Mike Vrabel.
They aggressively retooled the position by making the following moves:
Signed Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson to boost the edge. Added Robert Spillane to fill weakside duties. Re-signed Christian Elliss to a meaningful contract. Brought in Jack Gibbens, who played well in Tennessee. Added UDFA Cam Riley, who has upside and youth on his side.
That’s a crowded room. And with Tavai coming off an injury, he could be at risk of falling behind in camp. His skillset doesn’t stand out among this new, faster linebacker group that favors coverage ability and movement over downhill thumpers.
If Vrabel’s defense leans toward speed and flexibility, Tavai could quietly be phased out as a remnant of the old regime.
3. Kyle Dugger, S
Now, this move would be a true shocker.
Kyle Dugger has been a captain, a tone-setter and one of the Patriots’ most dynamic defenders since entering the league. But heading into 2025, his spot may be more fragile than people realize.
Dugger was signed to an extension last offseason, but he’s battled injuries and hasn’t consistently played to the level of his contract. At 28 years old, he came into the league as an older rookie despite just getting to his second contract, and the physical toll of his hard-hitting style is starting to show.
More importantly, the Patriots have completely reshaped their safety room. Craig Woodson, the Patriots’ first defensive pick in 2025, is already turning heads. Jabrill Peppers remains a fiery, well-liked presence and box safety fit. Marcus Epps and Jaylinn Hawkins bring reliable veteran depth. Dell Pettus and Brenden Schooler are special teams aces.
If Woodson and Peppers emerge as the new starting tandem—and the team values special teams elsewhere—Dugger could suddenly become expendable. A trade would make more sense than a cut, but either scenario becomes possible if the coaching staff wants flexibility.
It’s hard to imagine Dugger not in a Patriots uniform, but if roster math and positional overlap get tight, don’t rule it out. He could be seen as redundant at box safety with Peppers and Woodson fitting more of the aggressive style of defense they want to play. Plus, he is not as great in coverage as you would like in this new defense.
Final thoughts
The Patriots are clearly moving in a new direction with Mike Vrabel setting the tone and Drake Maye waiting in the wings to be a franchise quarterback or potentially cement himself as a top 10 quarterback. That means a roster reimagining is not just likely, it’s already happening.
Players like DeMario Douglas, Jahlani Tavai and even Kyle Dugger could be on the chopping block—not because they aren’t talented, but because football is a game of fit, timing and cost. The Patriots’ new identity is being built now, and in that process, familiar names may not make the cut.
Don’t be shocked if August brings more than a few surprises.