FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — With their second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings looming, the New England Patriots are making ruthless roster moves to bolster their defensive line, signaling their relentless pursuit of a competitive edge. On Sunday, the Patriots announced the signing of rookie defensive end Jereme Robinson, a 6’3”, 263-pound force from Kansas, while simultaneously releasing rookie safety Josh Minkins to make room. This cold-blooded decision underscores the harsh realities of the NFL, where dreams are forged and shattered in an instant.
Jereme Robinson: A New Beast in Foxborough
Robinson, a Montgomery, Alabama native, joins the Patriots after a brief stint with the Chicago Bears, who signed him as an undrafted free agent following April’s NFL draft. Released by Chicago in late July, the 25-year-old now gets a fresh shot to prove himself in New England. During his five-year college career at Kansas, Robinson appeared in 53 games, amassing 98 total tackles and 14 sacks. His senior season was his most dominant, starting all 12 games and recording 22 tackles (16 solo, six assisted), 5.5 sacks, 9.0 tackles-for-loss, and two forced fumbles. His performance earned him an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, showcasing his potential to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
The 6’3”, 263-pound defensive end brings a blend of size, speed, and tenacity to a Patriots defensive line looking to fortify its front. As New England prepares for joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings in the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” Robinson’s addition provides depth and a hungry rookie eager to make his mark.
Josh Minkins: A Dream Deferred
To accommodate Robinson, the Patriots made the tough call to release rookie safety Josh Minkins, a 6’2”, 207-pound defensive back who signed with New England as an undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati in May. Minkins, who began his college career at Louisville (2020-23) before transferring to Cincinnati for his final season in 2024, appeared in 49 games across his five-year collegiate tenure. He recorded 132 tackles and four interceptions, starting for Louisville in 2022 and Cincinnati in 2024.
Despite his versatility and experience, Minkins’ time in Foxborough was cut short. Spotted heading to the practice fields during training camp on July 28, 2025, at Gillette Stadium, the young safety’s release is a stark reminder of the NFL’s unforgiving nature. While his journey with the Patriots ends, Minkins’ skill set may yet find a home elsewhere in the league.
A Busy Day of Transactions
The Patriots’ roster shuffle didn’t stop with Robinson and Minkins. Earlier on Sunday, New England signed third-year running back Deneric Prince to a free agent contract ahead of their morning practice. In a corresponding move, undrafted free agent Lan Larison, a standout in the Patriots’ 48-18 preseason win over the Carolina Panthers on Friday, was placed on injured reserve, effectively ending his rookie season.
Larison, a UC Davis product, had turned heads with his dual-threat capabilities during the offseason. In his preseason debut, he nearly led the team in rushing, finishing with 35 yards on seven carries—just one yard shy of starter Rhamondre Stevenson. Larison capped his performance with a two-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, finishing a nine-play, 65-yard drive. Tragically, he headed to the locker room shortly after, later seen in a walking boot. Further tests confirmed an injury severe enough to sideline him for the 2025 season, a devastating blow for the promising rookie.
The Patriots’ Calculated Gamble
New England’s flurry of moves reflects a calculated approach as they fine-tune their roster ahead of their clash with the Vikings. Robinson’s arrival signals confidence in his ability to contribute to a defensive unit that values physicality and disruption. Meanwhile, the release of Minkins and the loss of Larison to injury highlight the brutal pragmatism of roster management. For every opportunity seized, another dream is deferred.
As the Patriots head to Minnesota for joint practices and their second preseason game, all eyes will be on Jereme Robinson to see if the 6’3”, 263-pound “beast” can live up to his potential and help solidify New England’s defensive front. For Minkins and Larison, their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the fine margins that define an NFL career.