FOXBOROUGH, MA — As the 2025 NFL preseason draws to a close, the New England Patriots have made waves with a surprising roster shakeup, bolstering their defensive tackle depth chart while parting ways with a veteran defensive end. The team confirmed on Tuesday the signing of undrafted rookie defensive tackle Philip Blidi, a 6’3”, 297-pound powerhouse, while releasing defensive end Jereme Robinson to make room on the roster. This move, alongside other recent transactions, signals the Patriots’ intent to fine-tune their lineup ahead of their preseason finale against the New York Giants.
Philip Blidi: A New Force in Foxborough
Philip Blidi, 23, joins the Patriots after a brief stint with the Tennessee Titans, who signed him as a rookie free agent out of Auburn in May following the 2025 NFL Draft. Released by the Titans on Monday, Blidi now finds a new home in New England, where he brings a formidable college resume. Over his collegiate career, which included stints at Texas Tech (2020-22), Indiana (2023), and Auburn (2024), Blidi amassed 91 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery. His size and disruptive presence on the interior line make him a valuable addition to an already stacked defensive tackle group.
Blidi joins a robust Patriots defensive tackle corps that includes Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Joshua Farmer, Jeremiah Pharms, Jr., Jahvaree Ritzie, David Olajiga, and Kyle Peko. This depth signals New England’s commitment to fortifying their defensive front, a critical component of their strategy as they aim for a strong start to the regular season.
Jereme Robinson’s Departure
To accommodate Blidi’s signing, the Patriots made the difficult decision to release defensive end Jereme Robinson. The 25-year-old, also an undrafted rookie, was signed by New England on August 10 after being released by the Chicago Bears in late July. Robinson, a 6’3”, 263-pounder out of Kansas, played in 53 college games, recording 98 tackles and 14 sacks. Despite his potential, the Patriots opted to prioritize their interior line depth, leading to Robinson’s release.
Additional Roster Moves
The Patriots’ roster adjustments didn’t stop with Blidi and Robinson. Earlier on Tuesday, the team confirmed the release of veteran cornerback Tre Avery and the signing of running back Micah Bernard. These moves round out the roster as New England prepares for their final preseason test. Bernard, a versatile running back, adds depth to the backfield as the Patriots look to maintain their offensive momentum.
Aiming for a Perfect Preseason
The Patriots are heading into their preseason finale with significant momentum. After dominating the Washington Commanders 48-18 in their opener and outlasting the Minnesota Vikings 20-12 at U.S. Bank Stadium, New England is on the cusp of history. A victory against the New York Giants on Thursday in East Rutherford, NJ, would mark the Patriots’ fifth perfect preseason in franchise history, joining the ranks of 2001, 2003, 1981, and 1978.
As the Patriots finalize their roster, the addition of Philip Blidi underscores their focus on building a formidable defensive line capable of disrupting opposing offenses. While the release of Jereme Robinson and Tre Avery may surprise some fans, these moves reflect the team’s strategic approach to balancing youth, experience, and positional depth. With the regular season looming, all eyes will be on New England as they aim to carry their preseason success into September.