Shocking: Hassan Haskins New England Patriots Released

Image Source: The Boston Globe

Hassan Haskins New England Patriots released became one of the notable developments Saturday as New England began a major roster trim ahead of the NFL’s final cutdown deadline. The Patriots reduced their roster from 91 players to 74, releasing 18 players while also making a move to strengthen their running back depth.

New England must reach the regular-season limit of 53 players by Sunday at 6 p.m. The decisions marked the beginning of an important weekend for coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots, with several roster battles still unsettled.

Hassan Haskins New England Patriots Released During Major Roster Shakeup

Haskins was released along with running back JaMycal Hasty, leaving the Patriots with fewer experienced options behind their top two backs. Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson are expected to remain central parts of the team’s backfield, but the decision to move on from Haskins and Hasty created an opening for another player to claim the third running back role.

The Patriots quickly addressed that need by acquiring Corey Kiner from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick. The trade allowed New England to secure Kiner rather than risk losing him on the waiver wire.

New England currently holds the No. 31 position in waiver priority. Because of that disadvantage, the Patriots could not be certain they would win a claim if Kiner were released. The trade guaranteed that he would join the organization before the roster deadline.

Explosive Preseason Numbers Helped Corey Kiner Earn a Look

Kiner is a 5-foot-9, 209-pound running back who went undrafted out of Cincinnati in 2025. The 24-year-old previously spent time on the San Francisco 49ers’ and Minnesota Vikings’ practice squads before signing with Arizona in December.

In four regular-season games last year, Kiner rushed for 58 yards on 12 carries and added two receptions for 15 yards. He showed more production during the preseason, rushing for 180 yards and two touchdowns on 39 carries across four games.

The move suggests the Patriots wanted more competition and insurance in the backfield rather than immediately promoting one of their remaining in-house candidates. Lan Larison and Jam Miller are still on the roster, but both remain firmly on the roster bubble.

Patriots Release Several Young Players in Final Push

The Patriots’ roster moves extended well beyond the running back position. Cornerback Marcellas Dial, a sixth-round selection from South Carolina in 2024, was also released. Of the eight players New England drafted that year, quarterback Drake Maye is now the only one still with the organization.

The team also parted ways with three backup interior offensive linemen: Darrian Dalcourt, JonDarius Morgan, and Jacob Rizy. Dalcourt and Morgan had joined the Patriots after injuries to Ben Brown and Andrew Rupcich during the second preseason game. Rizy, a Westport, Conn., native, signed with New England in May as an undrafted rookie from Harvard.

Wide receivers Kyle Dixon, Nick DeGennaro, and Cameron Dorner were waived as well. DeGennaro made a memorable winning touchdown catch from Behren Morton during New England’s preseason victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, but the team faced a crowded receiver room.

Dixon, a former college baseball player who transitioned to wide receiver, missed much of training camp because of an injury. He finished the preseason finale against Cleveland with eight catches on eight targets for 71 yards. If he clears waivers, he could remain a candidate for the Patriots’ practice squad.

Promising Tanner Arkin Receives a Boost

Tight end CJ Dippre was also waived, a decision that could improve undrafted rookie Tanner Arkin’s chances of staying with the team. Dippre joined New England as an undrafted rookie last season and initially spent time on the practice squad before being promoted in November.

Dippre played only 20 offensive snaps, all during Weeks 17 and 18. His departure leaves Arkin with a clearer path as the Patriots evaluate their tight end depth before the season begins.

New England also waived edge rushers Amari Gainer, Xavier Holmes, and Jesse Luketa. Safeties Eric Butler and Peter Manuma, cornerback Brandon Crossley, offensive tackle Lorenz Metz, and linebacker Riley Wilson completed the group announced Saturday.

What the Roster Cuts Mean for New England

The release of Haskins and Hasty, combined with the trade for Kiner, highlights the Patriots’ urgency to improve their running back depth. Stevenson and Henderson appear positioned to lead the group, but Kiner’s preseason production gives him a legitimate opportunity to compete for a roster spot.

The next stage will be even more consequential. Players who clear waivers could return to New England’s practice squad, while other teams may claim promising prospects. For the Patriots, Sunday’s deadline will determine which players remain part of the organization’s opening roster and which hopefuls must continue their careers elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Hassan Haskins released by the New England Patriots?

Yes. The Patriots released Hassan Haskins on Saturday during a roster reduction that involved 18 players.

Why did the Patriots trade for Corey Kiner?

New England traded a 2028 seventh-round draft pick for Corey Kiner to guarantee acquiring him rather than relying on the waiver process.

How many players must the Patriots have on their final roster?

The Patriots must reduce their roster to 53 players by Sunday at 6 p.m.

Who are the Patriots’ top running backs?

Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson are expected to remain the team’s leading running backs, with Kiner and other candidates competing for additional roles.