Quick-hit thoughts around NFL, New England Patriots – ESPN Boston

Since Sunday, Sept. 1, the day after rosters around the NFL had to be trimmed to 53 players, the Patriots have made a whopping 16 transactions on the roster (not including practice squad). Five players have been cut and brought back – running back Leon Washington, guard Josh Kline, fullback James Develin, defensive back Marquice Cole and center Braxston Cave (practice squad) – and it could be six if defensive lineman A.J. Francis clears waivers and decides he wants to remain in New England on the practice squad. One of the big questions that has been asked over that time is, “Why?” The best answer from this view is that it all ties in to Bill Belichick’s team-building approach with a 61-player snapshot in mind (53 on the active roster, eight on the practice squad). The practice squad, and building depth at specific positions, seems like a big part of this. The Patriots target some young players from other teams, show an initial commitment to keep them on the 53-man roster by being willing to risk losing veterans they probably have a good feeling won’t sign elsewhere, and it develops some currency with the young players to keep them around on the practice squad if they clear waivers when later released. The timing of the Patriots’ decisions also seems to have a layer of strategy, as practice squads around the NFL are mostly formed quickly which can make it less likely for another team to pursue one of the young players they waive.