NFL roster cuts: The best available players the Patriots could sign originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The New England Patriots have finalized their initial 53-man roster, but there could be more roster changes between now and the first week of the NFL season.

The Patriots still need reinforcements on the offensive line. The problem is that there aren’t many attractive options at the free agent or waiver list level right now, despite hundreds of players being released in the last week. And that’s not surprising given the importance of those positions.

However, the Patriots should also consider offensive tackle Geron Christian, who was released by the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday.

Christian played and started nine games at tackle for the Cleveland Browns last season (he also played one game for the Titans). Two of his coaches in Cleveland were Alex Van Pelt (current Pats offensive coordinator) and Scott Peters (current Pats offensive line coach). Christian made his professional debut in 2018 and has played in 58 games (25 starts) in his career.

The Patriots have decided to keep seven wide receivers on their initial 53-man roster. Many experts had predicted they would keep six. They have a lot of depth at the position, but there are a few interesting options. The best of all could be Tim Patrick.

Patrick missed the last two seasons due to a torn ACL (2022) and an Achilles tendon injury (2023). But in 2021 – his last healthy season – he posted 53 catches for 734 yards and five touchdowns. Patrick is healthy again and played in two of the Broncos’ three preseason games.

Another option is Donovan Peoples-Jones. The 25-year-old veteran knows Van Pelt from their time together at the Browns. Peoples-Jones’ best season was 2022, when he caught 61 passes for 839 yards and three touchdowns. Van Pelt was his offensive coordinator that year. The Detroit Lions fired Peoples-Jones on Monday.

If the Patriots want more depth at tight end, they could look at Donald Parham Jr. He scored a career-high four touchdowns last season and is a good red-zone candidate at 6-foot-8 and 235 pounds. The Los Angeles Chargers released Parham on Tuesday.

Here’s a list of players the Patriots may consider adding to their roster after Tuesday’s deadline. New England holds the No. 3 waiver position, meaning that if they make a claim on a player, only the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders can get ahead of the Patriots and claim that player.

Wide receiver

Kadarius Toney (Chiefs)

Donovan Peoples-Jones (Lions)

Tim Patrick (Broncos)

Terrace Marshall (Panthers)

Noah Brown (Texans)

Tight end

Donald Parham Jr. (Chargers)

Offensive line

Geron Christian, OT (Titans)

Caleb Jones, OT (Packers)

Josh Ball, OT (Cowboys)

Alec Lindstrom, C (Rams)

Defensive end

KJ Henry (Commander)

Linebackers

Nelson Caesar, OLB (Seahawks)