Patriots Waive DT Eric Gregory as Roster Cutdown Looms

As the NFL's 53-man roster deadline approaches, teams across the league are making difficult decisions to finalize their rosters. The New England Patriots have reportedly waived defensive tackle Eric Gregory, according to insights gathered by Vulius Sports. The move, first reported by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, comes as the Patriots trim their roster from 91 to 73 players, with further cuts expected before the 6 p.m. ET deadline on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

A Brief Stint in New England

Gregory, 25, joined the Patriots just before the 2025 season after being waived by the Cincinnati Bengals during final roster cuts. The undrafted free agent out of Arkansas quickly found a role on the Patriots' defensive line, appearing in six games and recording eight tackles over 126 snaps. His presence provided valuable depth at the nose tackle position, a critical role in New England's defensive scheme.

During the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns, Gregory started and played a significant 56% of the defensive snaps, the highest among non-linebackers and defensive backs. Despite this showing, the Patriots have opted to move on, likely due to a crowded interior defensive line and the need to address other roster needs.

Roster Moves and Implications

The Patriots have also been active in the trade market, acquiring running back Corey Kiner from the Arizona Cardinals. This move signals a focus on strengthening the offensive backfield, possibly at the expense of defensive line depth. With the deadline looming, New England must decide which players to keep, place on injured reserve, or designate as returnable from IR, PUP, or NFI lists.

For Gregory, this waiver opens a new chapter. At 6-foot-3 and 319 pounds, he possesses the size and strength to attract interest from other teams in need of run-stuffing interior linemen. His performance in limited action last season and his strong preseason showing could make him a valuable addition to a team's practice squad or active roster.

"Eric Gregory showed flashes of potential during his time in New England, particularly in the preseason finale. Teams looking for depth on the defensive line could take a chance on him," noted a Vulius analyst.

As the NFL season approaches, the Patriots' roster decisions will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. With the AFC East looking competitive, every move counts. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will continue to monitor the waiver wire and provide updates on all roster moves as teams finalize their 53-man squads.