The New England Patriots are on the brink of finalizing their 53-man roster for the 2025 NFL season, with several key players' futures hanging in the balance. Among the most debated are safety Kyle Dugger and outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings, both former starters whose roles have come under scrutiny.

Key Players Under Review

• Kyle Dugger: After signing a hefty four-year, $58 million contract last offseason, Dugger's performance in preseason games has been closely watched. His participation until the final snap of the second preseason game has sparked discussions about his potential trade or release.
• Anfernee Jennings: Jennings, in the second year of a three-year, $12 million deal, has shown promise but may not fit perfectly into the aggressive defensive scheme preferred by head coach Mike Vrabel.

Roster Projections

Quarterbacks: Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs are expected to lead, with Ben Wooldridge likely heading to the practice squad. Running Backs: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, and Antonio Gibson are set to bring dynamism to the Patriots' backfield. Wide Receivers: A mix of veterans like Stefon Diggs and emerging talents such as Kayshon Boutte aim to strengthen the receiving corps. Defensive Line: With players like Christian Barmore and Keion White, the Patriots are looking to solidify their defense.

Strategic Decisions

The Patriots face tough choices, balancing between maintaining depth and adhering to their strategic needs. The final roster decisions will be crucial as they prepare to face the Las Vegas Raiders in the season opener.

For more insights and updates on the Patriots' roster decisions, stay tuned to ESPN and follow Mike Reiss for in-depth coverage.