Patriots work out two defensive backs after opening roster spot
· Yahoo Sports
After one roster spot opened, two free agents visited Gillette Stadium.
The New England Patriots hosted safeties Eric Butler and Tysheem Johnson for workouts on Friday, according to the NFL transaction wire.
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Butler, listed at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, was invited to rookie minicamp with the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints after going unselected in the 2026 NFL draft. The San Diego State product appeared in 48 games, including 23 starts, during his Aztecs career. Blocking a pair of punts, Butler had a hand in 119 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception returned a touchdown.
Johnson, listed at 5-foot-10, 195 pounds, made collegiate stops at Ole Miss and Oregon before going undrafted in 2025. The 23-year-old defensive back appeared in 53 games, including 46 starts, while totaling 131 tackles, two sacks and six interceptions. Waived by the Chicago Bears with an injury designation at the 53-man roster deadline last summer, Johnson finished his rookie season on the practice squad of the Atlanta Falcons. He was waived in May.
The Patriots waived linebacker Otis Reese, who finished 2025 as a member of the practice squad, on Friday morning. The organization currently carries an active roster of 90, yet an exemption for offensive tackle Lorenz Metz through the NFL’s International Player Pathway.
The seventh session of training camp in Foxborough is set for 10:15 a.m. ET on Saturday.