The NFL roster cycle is a brutal, unforgiving machine. One day you’re a second-round pick with "future star" written all over your draft profile, and the next, you’re grinding through scout team reps in the Foxborough chill. That's basically the reality for Richie Grant right now. Seeing the words Patriots Richie Grant practice squad on a transaction wire might look like a minor footnote to some, but for anyone watching this New England secondary, it’s actually a pretty fascinating move.
It’s about depth. It’s about a former high-pedigree player trying to find his footing in a system that values versatility above almost everything else.
The Fall and Rise of a Second-Rounder
Richie Grant wasn't supposed to be a "practice squad guy." When the Atlanta Falcons took him 40th overall out of UCF in 2021, the expectations were sky-high. He was a ball-hawk. He was rangy. Honestly, he was supposed to be the anchor of that Atlanta backfield for a decade. And for a while, it looked like it was happening. In 2022, he started every single game, racking up 123 tackles. You don't just "accidentally" fall into those kinds of numbers.
But the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" league. After a solid 2023, things got weird. Atlanta brought in veteran Justin Simmons, and suddenly, Grant was the odd man out. He went from a defensive staple to a special teams contributor almost overnight.
Then came the San Francisco 49ers experiment in early 2025. One-year deal, plenty of hype, and... cut before the season even started. That hurts. But their loss ended up being New England's gain when the Patriots signed Richie Grant to the practice squad on October 15, 2025.
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Why New England? Why Now?
New England’s safety room has been a bit of a revolving door lately. With Kyle Dugger being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers (yeah, that still feels weird to say) and injuries to guys like Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson, the depth chart was looking dangerously thin.
The Patriots didn't just sign Grant to fill a jersey. They signed him because he’s a 28-year-old veteran with 33 NFL starts under his belt. That’s a massive luxury to have sitting on your practice squad.
Most people don't realize how much the Patriots rely on "big" safeties who can play in the box. At 6-foot and 200 pounds, Grant fits that mold. He isn't just a deep-cover guy; he’s willing to stick his nose in the run game. That’s exactly what Mike Vrabel—who is heavily influencing this defensive identity—wants in his secondary.
What Most People Get Wrong
There's a misconception that being on the practice squad means you're "done." In New England, the practice squad is basically an extension of the active roster. We saw this in Week 8 against the Browns. The team elevated Grant, and he actually got on the field.
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It wasn’t a flashy performance—he recorded one tackle—but it proved he’s ready to go. He’s been elevated multiple times since then. The reality is that the Patriots Richie Grant practice squad designation is more of a roster-management trick than a reflection of his actual talent level. By keeping him there, the team keeps a veteran safety in their back pocket without burning a permanent 53-man spot until they absolutely have to.
The "Arthur Smith" Connection and Scheme Fit
There is a bit of a coaching lineage here too. Grant was developed in Atlanta under Arthur Smith. While Smith is an offensive guy, the defensive structures in those systems often share DNA with the physical, tough-nosed football the Patriots are trying to reclaim.
Grant has shown he can be a "special teams ace," which is the fastest way to get on the good side of the coaching staff in Foxborough. If you can't cover a kickoff, you aren't playing safety for New England. It's that simple.
What’s the Move for 2026?
As we sit here in January 2026, the big question is whether Grant gets a "futures" contract or a spot on the 53-man roster for next season. The safety depth chart currently looks like this:
- Jaylinn Hawkins (The veteran leader)
- Craig Woodson (The promising rookie)
- Dell Pettus (The rotational piece)
- Brenden Schooler (The special teams demon)
Grant is competing with guys like John Saunders Jr. and Miles Battle for that final spot. Honestly? His experience gives him a massive edge. You can't teach 67 games of NFL experience. You can’t teach the instinct that comes from playing over 2,000 defensive snaps.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're tracking the Patriots' roster moves, here is what you need to keep an eye on regarding Richie Grant:
- Watch the "Futures" Signings: If the Patriots sign Grant to a reserve/future contract immediately after the season ends, it’s a clear sign they view him as a primary backup for 2026.
- Special Teams Snap Counts: If Grant continues to get 15+ snaps on special teams when elevated, his value to the team is solidified regardless of his defensive stats.
- The Draft Strategy: If New England uses a high pick (Rounds 1-3) on a safety in the 2026 draft, Grant’s time in Foxborough might be short-lived. If they wait until the late rounds, he’s likely their "safety net" veteran.
The Patriots Richie Grant practice squad situation is a classic example of a "pro's pro" waiting for the right moment. He isn't the flashy superstar he was projected to be in 2021, but in a league where injuries happen every single Sunday, having a guy like Grant is a total luxury. Keep an eye on the transaction wire this spring—his journey from second-round "bust" in Atlanta to a reliable veteran in New England is far from over.