Patriots Claim Cornerback Troy Hill From Bengals, Waive Asante Cleveland

FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots are never completely inactive when it comes to roster moves, even on Christmas Day.

The Patriots claimed cornerback Troy Hill off waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday. They waived tight end Asante Cleveland to make room for the rookie defensive back.

Hill was promoted from the Bengals’ practice squad Dec. 5. He was waived Dec. 24. Hill has six tackles in three games with the Bengals this season as a cornerback/special teamer.

The 5-foot-11, 182-pound Oregon product ran a 4.54-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day in March with a 6.65-second 3-cone, 4.15-second short shuttle, 34-inch vertical leap and 10-foot, 2-inch broad jump.

Hill joins Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, Leonard Johnson and Justin Coleman on the Patriots’ cornerback depth chart.

Cleveland was signed off the Patriots’ practice squad Nov. 28. He has one reception for 1 yard in four games. He’ll likely rejoin the Patriots’ practice squad if he clears waivers Saturday.

Thumbnail photo via Reinhold Matay/USA TODAY Sports Images