Patriots cut ties with 2024 third-round pick before preseason

Before their first preseason game, the New England Patriots have released offensive lineman Caedan Wallace after a few weeks of training camp. Wallace was a third-round pick in 2024 out of Penn State, a status that makes the move stand out after multiple seasons without a stable role. Jordan Schultz reported Monday that Wallace is headed to waivers. The Patriots also signed long snapper Niko Lalos, and cutting Wallace creates roster space. Over the past two seasons, Wallace appeared in 10 games and started two as a rookie; his offensive snaps fell from 129 to eight last year. A significant ankle injury suffered in Week 4 of his rookie season is cited as part of the issue, and at 26 he could still find a new NFL opportunity.