{
  "id": 284302,
  "title": "Patriots release undrafted rookie DT, announce new defensive signing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/patriots-release-undrafted-rookie-dt-announce-new-defensive-signing",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-07T23:04:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/patriots-release-undrafted-rookie-dt-230437833.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The New England Patriots have made a roster move by releasing undrafted rookie defensive tackle David Blay and simultaneously signing safety Eric Butler. Blay, signed as a rookie from Miami in May, faced competition in the defensive tackle room, alongside starters Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. Throughout his senior season, Blay made 28 tackles, recorded 2.5 sacks, and contributed with one pass deflection in 13 games. In contrast, Butler, a rookie free agent who worked out for the Patriots in late July, had a four-year college career at San Diego State, where he amassed 119 tackles, an interception, a sack, 5.5 tackles for a loss, a pick-six, nine pass deflections, and one forced fumble in 48 games. The Patriots have opted to release Blay and bring on Butler to bolster their depth at safety as the preseason approaches. The team boasts strong safety talent, including All-Pro Kevin Byard and second-year standout Craig Woodson, making it crucial for Butler to demonstrate his value as a depth option for the Patriots.",
  "summary": "The New England Patriots announced a couple of roster moves after their twelfth training camp practice.",
  "key_points": [
    "Patriots release undrafted rookie DT David Blay",
    "Sign safety Eric Butler to bolster roster",
    "Butler brings depth at safety for preseason"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Patriots' decision to release David Blay and sign Eric Butler indicates they are prioritizing depth at safety over defensive tackle as the preseason approaches.",
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/284302.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}