FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – In a swift move to bolster their secondary, the New England Patriots have pounced on an opportunity, signing veteran safety Richie Grant to their practice squad mere hours after his release from the San Francisco 49ers. The announcement came as the team gears up for a pivotal Week 7 showdown against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
The 27-year-old Grant, a former second-round pick (40th overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Central Florida, brings a wealth of experience to New England’s defensive backfield. A full participant in the team’s first Week 7 practice at Gillette Stadium, Grant is poised to add depth and versatility to a Patriots secondary looking to sharpen its claws.
A Proven Playmaker
Grant spent four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, evolving from a reserve role in his 2021 rookie campaign to a starting strong safety in 2022 and 2023. During his breakout 2022 season, he started all 17 games, racking up an impressive 123 tackles (second on the team), seven passes defensed, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. In 2023, he maintained his starting role, appearing in 15 of 17 games and contributing 103 tackles, three sacks, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and an interception.
Though relegated to a backup role in 2024 behind veteran Justin Simmons, Grant remained a valuable asset on special teams while seeing limited defensive snaps. His tenure with the Falcons saw him amass 264 total tackles, three sacks, three interceptions, 17 passes defensed, and 11 special teams tackles across 67 games, including 33 starts. At 6’0” and 200 pounds, Grant’s physicality and instincts make him a formidable addition to New England’s roster.
A Rapid Response
Grant’s signing comes on the heels of his release from the San Francisco 49ers, where he had joined as an unrestricted free agent this past offseason but was let go before the regular season began. The Patriots wasted no time, capitalizing on his availability to strengthen their practice squad. As the only true safety on the scout team, Grant joins a talented active roster secondary that includes rookie Craig Woodson and veterans Jaylinn Hawkins, Kyle Dugger, Dell Pettus, and Brenden Schooler.
Doubling Down on Depth
The Patriots’ front office has been busy fortifying the roster, with Grant’s signing marking their second practice squad addition this week. Earlier, the team brought in rookie tight end Marshall Lang, a 6’4”, 252-pound pass-catcher from Northwestern. Lang, who signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in May before being released in August, adds size and potential to the tight end group. During his college career, he recorded 48 receptions for 491 yards and four touchdowns over 47 games.
With Grant and Lang now in the fold, New England’s 16-man practice squad is fully stocked, though one spot remains open on the 53-man active roster. These moves signal the Patriots’ intent to build depth and flexibility as they navigate a challenging 2025 season.
Ready to Roar
As the Patriots prepare to face the Titans, Grant’s experience and hard-hitting style could prove invaluable, whether he’s called upon for special teams duties or to step into a larger defensive role. His addition underscores New England’s aggressive approach to seizing opportunities and unleashing their potential. With the “beast” now in their den, the Patriots are poised to make noise in Week 7 and beyond.