Apparently the New England Patriots can’t have enough safeties.
The Patriots claimed safety Dewey McDonald off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday. They also signed safeties Ross Ventrone and Floyd Raven to their practice squad. They now have 10 safeties between their 53-man roster and practice squad.
To make room, the Patriots placed linebacker Rufus Johnson on non-football illness/reserve, ending his season. They also cut cornerback Brandon Dixon from their practice squad.
McDonald signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent out of California University (Pa.) in 2014. He appeared in 12 games last season, making 10 tackles, primarily as a special teamer. He also played two games for the Colts this season with all 36 snaps coming on special teams.
McDonald, who’s 6-feet, 220 pounds, ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at his pro day with a 6.99-second three-cone drill, 4.33-second short shuttle, 34.5-inch vertical leap and 9-foot, 8-inch broad jump. He transferred to California University from Fairmont State.
Johnson appeared in one game for the Patriots this season, making one tackle. He missed practice for two consecutive weeks with an illness.
McDonald, Ventrone and Raven join safeties Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Jordan Richards, Tavon Wilson, Nate Ebner and Brandon King on the Patriots.
Thumbnail photo via Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports Images
