While the rest of the Boston sports world was in awe of the disastrous performance by the Red Sox at Fenway Park coming out of the All Star Break, or chatting about the most recent Kevin Durant to Boston rumors, the New England Patriots made a couple of roster moves in advance of the official open of Training Camp this week. Small moves that might fly under the radar at most any point of the season, yet still it’s roster building season and anticipation is high for the latest version of Bill Belichick’s team.
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On Friday the Patriots released defensive tackle Byron Cowart. A top high school recruit, Cowart struggled to find his footing in college, spending two unremarkable seasons at Auburn before transferring to the University of Maryland. He was selected in the fifth round, 159th overall, by the Patriots as part of their lackluster 2019 draft. Over three injury plagued season, Cowart never made a significant impact on the defensive line rotation, registering just 15 solo tackles and as many stays on the COVID-19 reserve list as sacks (one). Cowart was claimed by the Indianapolis Colts, where he’ll get a chance to reboot his professional career in the final year on his rookie contract.
Friday also saw the retirement of WR/RB Malcolm Perry, who has decided to return to service for the US Navy. Perry, a star offensive weapon (WR, RB & QB) for the Naval Academy, spent the 2020 season with the Miami Dolphins, registering a handful of rushing attempts and 9 catches for 92 yards and one touchdown. He was released in 2021, spent time with the New Orleans Saints and was signed to a futures contract with the Pats January 17th. Perry might have had a shot at making the squad as a third down back option should James White continue to be hobbled, or as a special teamer, plus anyone who played for the Naval Academy always gets a look from Bill Belichick, but it appears his pro career has come to a close without any meaningful time in a Pats uniform.
This leaves two roster spots open for the Patriots in advance of Training Camp 2022’s official open Wednesday. Adding players as they are released from other squads throughout camp in never uncommon, though there’s also no mandate to open with exactly 90 players, either.