The New England Patriots reportedly added some strength and speed to their active roster on Tuesday.
New England officially waived linebacker Caleb Murphy on Monday, opening up an active roster spot. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz later reported that the spot will go directly to linebacker Chad Muma, who would be signed to the active roster off the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad on Tuesday.
It’s a one-for-one swap that makes plenty of sense on paper…
Murphy registered just two special teams tackles across five games after being claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct. 20. The Patriots had some familiarity with the player, as he spent time working with Mike Vrabel and Terrell Williams after originally entering the league as an undrafted free agent of the Tennessee Titans in 2023.
Muma, on the other hand, didn’t work out after being selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts claimed him off waivers following final roster cuts earlier this season, before eventually cutting him themselves and re-signing him to the practice squad — doing their best to keep the incredible athlete (9.77 Relative Athletic Score) who has done well to establish himself as a key contributor on special teams.
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The Patriots could use some help, as they were gashed in the kicking game during their awful loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Muma can help sure up that unit, while also providing some depth alongside Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens and Jahlani Tavai as the linebacker position while the club works without captain Robert Spillane.
Featured image via Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images
