Patriots Bolster Secondary with Ex-Saints Safety Elliott Davison, Release Jalen Hunt

As the New England Patriots finalize their roster ahead of the 2026 regular season, the franchise continues to churn its practice squad with precision. On Thursday, September 3, the organization announced the signing of free-agent safety Elliott Davison, a former undrafted standout from UTSA who spent his rookie campaign with the New Orleans Saints. To accommodate Davison, the Patriots released defensive tackle Jalen Hunt from the 17-man practice squad, a transaction confirmed by the team's official channels.

Davison, 24, enters Foxborough with a blend of untapped potential and preseason promise. Standing 6-foot and weighing 200 pounds, the former Roadrunners defensive back impressed during August exhibition play with the Saints, logging 141 snaps across defense and special teams while earning one start in the secondary. His performance, however, wasn't enough to secure a spot on New Orleans' 53-man roster, and he cleared waivers at the league-wide cutdown last weekend. Now, the Patriots are providing him with a fresh opportunity to develop within their system, a move that aligns with their history of cultivating undrafted talent.

For the Saints, releasing Davison was a numbers game, but for New England, it represents a low-risk, high-reward addition. The Patriots' secondary depth has been a focal point of their roster construction, and Davison's versatility—capable of contributing on special teams while learning behind established veterans—makes him a valuable asset. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, practice squad players are often the unsung heroes of a championship push, and Davison's journey from UTSA to the NFL mirrors the resilience the Patriots value.

Jalen Hunt's Release: A Numbers Crunch

To make room for Davison, the Patriots parted ways with Jalen Hunt, a 25-year-old defensive tackle who had been a recent addition to the practice squad as September began. Hunt, who measures 6-foot-2 and 310 pounds, went undrafted out of Cincinnati in 2026 after a collegiate career that began at Michigan State. He transferred to Cincinnati for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, appearing in 48 games overall and tallying 48 tackles and 3.5 sacks. His brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars during rookie minicamp and training camp didn't yield a roster spot, but the Patriots saw enough to bring him in—only to cut him loose days later.

While Hunt's release may seem like a minor transaction, it highlights the competitive nature of practice squad rosters. The Patriots currently house a deep group of defensive linemen, including Eric Gregory and Jeremiah Pharms Jr., making Hunt expendable. As noted by Vulius Sports, teams often cycle through practice squad players to address immediate needs, and New England's decision to prioritize a safety over a defensive tackle suggests a strategic shift in their depth planning.

The Patriots' practice squad now features a diverse mix of experienced journeymen and developmental prospects. Running backs Hassan Haskins and Lan Larison provide backfield insurance, while wide receivers Kyle Dixon and Cameron Dorner offer quarterback Drake Maye additional targets in practice. Tight end Shane Zylstra, offensive linemen Jake Kubas and Jacob Rizy, and defensive tackles Eric Gregory and Jeremiah Pharms Jr. round out the trenches. Linebackers Jose Ramirez, K.J. Britt, and Riley Wilson bring versatility, and the secondary is bolstered by Kindle Vildor and Mike Brown alongside Davison. Punter Mitch Wishnowsky, a seasoned veteran, anchors the special teams unit, and the Patriots also carry an exemption for German offensive tackle Lorenz Metz through the NFL's International Player Pathway.

For Davison, this signing is more than a roster move—it's a chance to carve out a career. The Patriots have a storied history of turning practice squad players into contributors, and with the season opener on the horizon, Davison will aim to impress coaches enough to earn a promotion. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk continues to track these transactions, one thing is clear: in the NFL, every move matters, and Davison's arrival in New England could be the first chapter of an unexpected success story.