Patriots release QB Trace McSorley, acquire second offensive lineman
The Patriots are working towards finalizing their 53-man roster on Monday by releasing quarterback Trace McSorley. All teams must have their rosters set by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
McSorley’s release was first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero was first to report.
The former Penn State alum had been competing for the No. 3 quarterback roster spot behind starter Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.
The 27-year-old former sixth-pick of the Ravens didn’t play much for the Patriots this preseason. He only completed 1-of-4 passes totaling four yards, he was also sacked twice.
There’s a chance that McSorley could end up back with the Patriots on their practice squad.
With McSorley’s release, it paves the way for the potential of undrafted Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham to make the team in a hybrid role.
The Patriots haven’t made a final decision on Cunningham’s roster status, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic.
Late on Sunday night, Bill Belichick made his second trade of the day acquiring Vikings offensive tackle Vederian Lowe for a late-round pick.
Earlier in the day, the Patriots traded second-year running back Pierre Strong to the Browns for tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. Based off both moves, Belichick is still not impressed with his overall offensive lineman depth.
Lowe was drafted in the sixth-round during the 2022 NFL Draft by the Vikings. He only played in four games as a rookie, but didn’t start a single game.
The 6-foot-5, 315-pound tackle projected as a backup prior to the draft, according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler.
“Despite cycling through three different offensive coordinators and three different offensive line coaches over the last five (college) years, he got better each season and proved his durability with the most starts in school history,” wrote Brugler back in 2022. “Lowe is a mature, developed player with the footwork to adjust to targets in space and allow his long arms to work for him. His pad level can get away from him and he needs to be a more consistent leverage blocker. Overall, Lowe is an average athlete and tends to be over-reliant on his upper half, but he stays under control to square up defenders as a pass blocker or drive them in the run game. He is prepared to compete for an NFL backup job as a rookie.”
With the addition of Wheatley and Lowe, the Patriots continue to add depth to their underperforming offensive line. Only time will tell if either player will make a positive impact for New England.
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