The New England Patriots roster is taking shape following the National Football League draft last week.
New England had a great draft, addressing its biggest need by drafting offensive lineman Will Campbell with the fourth overall pick. As the draft went on, the Patriots added a long snapper in the final round, signaling their desire to move on from team captain Joe Cardona.
The Patriots have officially announced they have parted ways with long snapper Cardona, the last player who was a member of the team's last Super Bowl, as shared by ESPN's Mike Reiss.
"The New England Patriots released veteran long snapper Joe Cardona, their longest-tenured player, on Tuesday," Reiss wrote. "Cardona has been with the Patriots since they selected him in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft out of Navy. He was part of two Super Bowl championship teams, playing in 160 regular-season games and 13 playoff games."
"Cardona had a tackle in each of the first four games last season, which was reflective of his coverage ability. He also had a forced fumble. The Patriots selected Vanderbilt long snapper Julian Ashby in the seventh round of this year's draft (251st overall), which was the first indication Cardona's time in New England might be coming to an end."
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Cardona spent his entire career in New England, winning two Super Bowls in 2017 and 2019. He was a captain during the 2024 season and was still making his presence felt, forcing a fumble. The Patriots parting with the 33-year-old is the end of an era, as he was the last man standing from the Patriots dynasty.
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