FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — With the 2025 NFL season opener just days away, the New England Patriots have made a surprising move to bolster their offensive line by signing veteran offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes to their practice squad. This strategic addition, announced on Monday, brings a seasoned player with significant NFL experience to the “Forge,” as the Patriots prepare to face the Las Vegas Raiders on September 7 at Gillette Stadium. To make room for Jaimes, the team released center Alec Lindstrom from the practice squad.
A Veteran Addition with Proven Experience
Brenden Jaimes, a 26-year-old offensive lineman, was a fifth-round pick (159th overall) by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2021 NFL Draft. Over four seasons with the Chargers, Jaimes appeared in 46 regular-season games, amassing an impressive 246 offensive snaps and participating in two playoff contests. A native of Nebraska, Jaimes also spent time with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 training camp and preseason before being released in late August as part of their final roster cuts.
Jaimes, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 286 pounds, brings versatility and pass-protection prowess to New England’s practice squad. Known for his ability to play both left and right tackle, Jaimes excels in pass-blocking, demonstrating strong ball control and quick reaction skills to stay ahead of defenders. His experience makes him a potential swing tackle, a valuable asset for game-day rosters. However, Jaimes has faced challenges in run-blocking, often struggling to prevent defenders from breaking through. To earn a spot on the Patriots’ active roster, he will need to refine his hand placement and footwork post-contact, areas where he has shown room for improvement.
The Cost of the Move: Alec Lindstrom Released
To accommodate Jaimes, the Patriots parted ways with center Alec Lindstrom, a Massachusetts native and Boston College alum. Lindstrom, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 300 pounds, brought his own wealth of experience from both the NFL and UFL. Initially joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, Lindstrom spent his rookie season on their practice squad. After being released following the 2023 training camp, he played for the Memphis Showboats in the UFL during the 2024 spring season.
Lindstrom’s journey continued with brief stints on the Los Angeles Rams’ roster in August 2024 and the New York Jets’ practice squad in October26-year-old Brenden Jaimes brings a wealth of experience with 46 games played and 246 offensive snaps for the Los Angeles Chargers. October. He even made his NFL debut with the Jets in a special teams role against Houston. Despite his versatility and local ties, Lindstrom’s release paves the way for Jaimes to join the Patriots’ practice squad.
A Strategic Move for the Season Opener
The addition of Jaimes signals the Patriots’ intent to strengthen their offensive line depth as they gear up for their season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. With kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 7, Jaimes’ experience and pass-protection skills could prove critical, especially if he transitions from the practice squad to the active roster. His ability to anchor the line and protect the quarterback may give New England an edge in their quest for a strong start to the 2025 season.
As the Patriots fine-tune their roster in Foxborough, the signing of Jaimes is a calculated step to ensure their offensive front is ready for the challenges of the NFL season. Fans will be watching closely to see if this former Chargers star can forge his place in New England’s lineup.