With star defensive tackle Milton Williams going on injured reserve, the New England Patriots signed rookie outside linebacker Bradyn Swinson to the main roster in a corresponding move.
Swinson, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, has been a mystery since his arrival. He was initially viewed as a steal for the Patriots, but the team made the shocking decision to cut him after training camp. They then re-signed him to the practice squad, where he has competed and improved enough to earn his first shot at NFL action.
“He’s worked hard, he’s improved,” Vrabel told reporters on Monday, when asked about Swinson. “He’s worked hard in the weight room, changing his body and getting stronger, and learning special teams. Doing a good job there, giving us a great look. Those guys, coaches have done a great job of improving a lot of those guys, and hopefully getting them ready here for when they have to play.”
Swinson’s talent isn’t lost on the rest of the league.
He had three pass deflections, two forced fumbles and 8.5 sacks in his final season at LSU in college. There was a lot of hype surrounding his future at the NFL level. If he remained on the practice squad, another team could have easily signed him away from the Patriots.
However, now that he’s officially a member of the main roster, he is untouchable on the open market.
The Patriots putting Williams on injured reserve and Joshua Farmer being banged up leaves them vulnerable along the defensive line. They are hoping Swinson brings new energy to the unit to help fill the massive void that Williams’ injury has created.
“There’s some of that. You know, there’s some of that,” Vrabel said on signing Swinson to keep him away from other interested teams. “And again, it’s also about opportunity and when we feel like they’re ready for it and they’ve earned it. And you know, in that case, I think Bradyn has. We’ll have to evaluate what he can do and how he can help us and get him ready to go.”
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Mike Vrabel reveals real reason team signed forgotten rookie to roster
