The Patriots made their final moves to whittle their roster down to the 53-man limit by the league's deadline on Tuesday by releasing 16 more players and placing seven players on reserve lists.

In the waived/released department, there weren't any major surprises for New England. The notable moves were waiving third-year QB Bailey Zappe, veteran kicker Joey Slye winning the competition over 2023 fourth-rounder Chad Ryland, and the Pats keeping seven wide receivers. For now, the Pats are seven deep at receiver and cornerback.

As expected, the Patriots moved three players to the reserve/PUP list on cutdown day: WR Kendrick Bourne, G Cole Strange, and LB Sione Takitaki. Furthermore, the Patriots placed DT Christian Barmore (designated to return) on the non-football illness list and S Marte Mapu (designated to return) on injured reserve. A new rule this season allows teams to designate two players who don't count toward the 53-man roster limit to return from reserve lists, so Barmore and Mapu got those designations.

All five players listed above can return during the 2024 season by placing them on the reserve lists on cutdown day. Players on reserve lists must miss at least the first four games of the regular season before returning to action. But this leaves the door open for them to do so. Based on reports, Bourne, Strange, Takitaki, and Mapu will be able to contribute at some point this season. However, Barmore (blood clots) is still out indefinitely.

Lastly, it's important to remember that the roster is always fluid. Although it's great for players to make the initial 53, things change quickly in the NFL. You can be on the roster one day and off it by Week 1: that's life in the league.

Here is a position-by-position analysis of the Patriots initial roster for the 2024 season:

Quarterbacks (3): Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, Joe Milton

Cut: Bailey Zappe

The Patriots made the inevitable decision to cut their quarterback room down to three by releasing third-year QB Bailey Zappe. Zappe started eight games in his first two seasons, posting a decent record of 4-4. However, his career QBR was just 29.9, with most viewing Zappe as a capable but limited backup. With that being his ceiling, it was difficult to envision a role for Zappe in New England following the 2024 NFL Draft, where the Patriots selected Maye (No. 3 overall) and Milton (sixth round).

The three quarterbacks the Patriots kept all have distinct roles: Brissett is the bridge/mentor, Maye is the future, and Milton is a high-upside flier. Zappe's run with the Patriots likely came to an end on Tuesday, with it being tough to envision him returning to the practice squad given that he could have a better opportunity elsewhere to compete for a roster spot.

Now that the quarterback room is settled, the conversation about when Maye should take over for Brissett as the starter will be the number one debate surrounding the team.

Running Backs (3): Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, JaMycal Hasty

Cuts: Kevin Harris, Terrell Jennings, Deshaun Fenwick

One mild surprise was the team's decision to waive third-year RB Kevin Harris. Harris was heavily involved in the Pats backfield this summer and, from this vantage point, showed some improved burst and decisiveness as a ball carrier. Harris capped off his camp with an 18-yard touchdown catch from QB Drake Maye in Sunday's preseason finale. Despite making a strong push, the team waived Harris, who will now need to pass through waivers before he can rejoin the team on the practice squad.

Knowing the plan was to keep three running backs, in hindsight, Harris lost the RB3 battle to veteran JaMycal Hasty. Hasty brings a different flavor to the Pats backfield as a jitterbug back who has some wiggle in sub-package or screen situations. Hasty pointed out last week that he was in a room filled with bigger tailbacks, while Hasty is more in the change-of-pace mold. Plus, Hasty's special teams value gave him another edge over Harris.

For a team that wants to build an identity around running the football, it was mildly surprising to see the Patriots only carry three running backs. However, there's a good chance that Harris and undrafted rookie Terrell Jennings will return to the practice squad.

Wide Receiver (7): DeMario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, KJ Osborn, Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Reagor, Kayshon Boutte

PUP: Kendrick Bourne, Cuts: David Wallis, Kawaan Baker, Matt Landers

Although it's a large number, seeing the Patriots keep these seven wide receivers on the initial roster is not surprising. New England's two rookie draft picks were locks (Polk, Baker) along with Douglas and Osborn, while speedy wideout Tyquan Thornton emerged as a lock as well after a strong camp. Thornton is in the "needs to prove it" category, but his field-stretching ability from the X receiver spot gives the offense a much-needed vertical dimension. Based on recent practices, the Patriots top-three receivers to start the year will be Thornton, Douglas, and Polk/Osborn.

There were some debates about Boutte and Reagor being in a roster battle for a sixth and final receiver spot, but the Patriots opted to keep both around for now. Reagor brings value as another speed threat at receiver, but he's most valuable as a return man. As for Boutte, he was running with the twos and threes for most of camp but always looked a cut above the rest. The only sticking point for the second-year wideout was a logjam with similar receivers like Polk, Baker, Osborn, and eventually Bourne on the roster. Until Bourne returns from injury, Boutte earned a roster spot, but that could change once Bourne is healthy.

It's unorthodox to carry seven wide receivers on the initial 53. However, it didn't feel like the Pats were in a major numbers crunch to make it happen this year, with a roster that was thin on NFL talent in other position groups. All seven wideouts had enough flashes to keep them around.

Tight Ends (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jaheim Bell

Cuts: Mitchell Wilcox, La'Michael Pettway, Jacob Warren

Another rookie who emerged late in the summer was seventh-rounder Jaheim Bell. Bell was limited for the first handful of camp practices but got on the field for the last week or so of the summer and did enough to earn a roster spot over veterans Mitchell Wilcox and La'Michael Pettway. Wilcox's injury might've played a role, but Bell flashed enough skill to go with the higher-upside rookie.

Over the last two preseason games, Bell's straight-line speed flashed on a 16-yard connection with Milton and an 11-yard catch on a pass into the flat. Bell's ability to stretch the seam, run crossing routes, and win foot races into the sidelines showed up in practices and the preseason games. Although he's a work in progress as an in-line blocker, Bell offers formational flexibility to play as an H-Back and in the slot.

The tight end room will be anchored by two steady vets in Henry and Hooper, who are in line for significant roles in OC Alex Van Pelt's offense. Bell now joins the group as a developmental talent.

Offensive Line (9): David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, Sidy Sow, Chuks Okorafor, Vederian Lowe, Layden Robinson, Caedan Wallace, Nick Leverett, Michael Jordan

PUP: Cole Strange, IR: Calvin Anderson, Cuts: Atonio Mafi, Kellen Diesch, Charles Turner, Zuri Henry, Liam Fornadel

There weren't any major surprises along the offensive line, with veteran guard Michael Jordan earning the final roster spot with eight locks. Although the Patriots have big-picture concerns along the offensive line, they're well-stocked on the interior, with Jordan's availability and experience (29 career starts) earning him a roster spot. Starting guard Sidy Sow sustained an ankle injury in Sunday's preseason finale, so it's possible that Jordan remains in the mix as an option to compete for the starting left guard spot if Sow misses time in the regular season.

After a sloppy performance where the top unit was called for eight first-half penalties in the preseason finale, there are major doubts about this group. It's slightly surprising that the Patriots didn't create roster flexibility for themselves to add offensive linemen via waivers or veteran free agency, but that could always change. If we had to guess, the starting five against the Bengals would be LT Lowe, LG Sow/Jordan, C Andrews, RG Robinson, and RT Onwenu.

Lastly, Cole Strange (knee) was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list after missing training camp. There are reports that indicate Strange will return this season, so it'll be interesting to see if there's a starting spot waiting for him. Due to his inconsistencies in the past, there's no guarantee that Strange will step right back into the starting five.

As mentioned, don't be surprised when the Patriots are active on the waiver wire for offensive linemen, particularly at offensive tackle, where questions remain about their depth and talent.

Defensive Line (5): Davon Godchaux, Deatrich Wise, Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms, Trysten Hill

NFI: Christian Barmore, IR: Armon Watts, Cuts: Sam Roberts, William Bradley-King, Jotham Russell, Josiah Brunson

The biggest bit of news here is that stud DT Christian Barmore (blood clots) was placed on the non-football illness list. Barmore was designated to return by the team, keeping the door open for him to return this season. Although it feels like a longshot, team doctors caught Barmore's blood clots early. Luckily, head doctor Jim Whalen had seen the issue before when center David Andrews was diagnosed with blood clots in 2019. There aren't any guarantees Barmore will return this season, and his health comes first, but it's a positive sign that the Patriots felt it was worth using one of two designated to return spots on the star defender.

Former second-round pick Trysten Hill earned the final roster spot over offseason addition Armon Watts and others. Watts was a free-agent bust, as he was largely ineffective during camp. Unless he's released with an injury settlement later, Watts's season is over. As for Hill, he and Pharms earned their way onto the roster with solid camps. Hill is an energetic rusher who has some juice in the pass rush, and he played blocks well in the run game vs. the Commanders on Sunday night. Pharms seemed to lock in a roster spot with a monster preseason opener, where he tallied a sack and six total quarterback pressures.

The Patriots are short on run-stuffers in this group, with Godchaux as the only one who specializes in stopping the run. They could add another big body to bolster the run defense.

EDGE (4): Keion White, Joshua Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Oshane Ximines

Cuts: Kobe Jones, Christian McCarroll

There aren't any major surprises here, with Ximines emerging as another situational edge rusher to bolster the pass rush. The Patriots will be making up for the departure of Pro Bowl pass-rusher Matthew Judon, who was traded to the Falcons earlier in camp, opening a spot for Ximines.

Second-year edge rusher Keion White is poised for a breakout season as a power rusher with great versatility. White will play a role similar to former Patriot standout Trey Flowers, where he'll play as an edge rusher on early downs and then kick inside in passing situations. That leaves Anfernee Jennings as a strong candidate to set the edge on early downs opposite White, with Uche and Ximines vying to replace Jennings in obvious passing situations. White, Uche, and Ximines could all be featured in the Patriots pass-rush packages based on their usage this summer. However, Uche and Ximines were dealing with undisclosed injuries toward the end of camp, so that's something to monitor heading into the regular season.

Inside Linebacker (4): Ja'Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Raekwon McMillan, Christian Elliss

PUP: Sione Takitaki, Cuts: Joe Giles-Harris, Steele Chambers

The Patriots roster decisions at linebacker came down to a battle between third-year pro Christian Elliss and second-year LB Joe Giles-Harris. With free-agent addition Sione Takitaki (knee) landing on PUP to start the year, it opened the door for another off-ball linebacker to make the team. Giles-Harris had an interception in the preseason finale, but Elliss's team-high 11 tackles won out.

The coaching staff has credited Elliss for his physicality and click-and-close ability to make plays. There were two instances in last Sunday night's game where that stood out, with Elliss blowing up a screen at the line of scrimmage being the most notable. The Pats linebacker also had a nice rush as an interior blitzer in the preseason opener vs. Carolina.

New England will lean heavily on Bentley and Tavai as their starting linebacker duo, while McMillan will be a core contributor on special teams. We'll see if they have a game-day role in mind for Elliss. Although it's great he made the roster, Elliss's playing time might be limited.

Cornerback (7): Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, Isaiah Bolden, Marco Wilson, Marcellas Dial

Cuts: Shaun Wade, Azizi Hearn, Mikey Victor

Another area where the Patriots went heavy on their initial roster is at cornerback. The noteworthy decision was to keep sixth-round rookie Marcellas Dial over fourth-year pro Shaun Wade. Dial had ups and downs this summer, mainly struggling to stay connected to receivers at the top of routes and losses at the catch point. But he has the tools to become a useful player outside, in the slot, or at safety.

As the lone draft pick on defense this season, New England opted to keep Dial, who has upside as a developmental corner, whereas Wade is who he is heading into year four. Lastly, second-year CB Isaiah Bolden made the initial roster after a scary head injury ended his rookie season in the preseason. Bolden could be an ace special-teamer, and he has also played multiple spots in the secondary. The Pats are looking for someone out of Austin, Bolden, Wilson, and Dial to emerge as a bigger outside corner to add some size to the secondary.

Safety (5): Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Brenden Schooler, Dell Pettus

IR (1): Marte Mapu, Cuts (2): AJ Thomas, Joshuah Bledsoe

After missing all but one training camp practice, 2023 third-rounder Marte Mapu will stick around on injured reserve. Mapu is running out of time to carve out a role. He has battled injuries through his first two seasons, preventing him from developing on the practice field. Now, Mapu will miss four-plus games before he can return, and then we'll see if he can contribute.

Undrafted rookie Dell Pettus also made the roster. Pettus is the lone UDFA to survive initial cutdowns, with head coach Jerod Mayo speaking to the importance of showing undrafted players that they can make the team in New England. Pettus was at his best this summer, covering tight ends, playing short zones, and being a half-field safety in the deep part of the field. We'll see if Pettus can carve out a game-day role for himself, but he definitely earned a roster spot this summer.

Specialists (3): Joey Slye, Bryce Baringer, Joe Cardona

Cuts: Chad Ryland, Tucker Addington

It became clear that Slye won the Patriots kicking competition over second-year K Chad Ryland toward the end of camp. Slye finished the summer 43/54 on his attempts between practice and the preseason games, while Ryland was 41/54 (via Alex Barth). Although that sounds like it was close, Slye really separated himself on 50-plus yards kicks, where he was 8-for-9 compared to Ryland's 3-of-7 (excludes two 60-plus yard attempts for Slye). Slye had the bigger leg and was just as accurate as Ryland inside 40 yards, so it was an easy battle to call in Slye's favor.

Ryland could return as a backup on the practice squad. However, losing the starting gig to Slye shows that the fourth-round investment in Ryland was a bust. Ryland finished his rookie season with a league-worst 64% field goal percentage in 2023 and has now lost his job to Slye. As much as you don't want to blame the current regime for the former's draft picks, Ryland was a big miss for former head coach Bill Belichick, and many of the same scouts remain in the building. New England did the right thing by wearing this one on the chin, but they passed on some good football players to select Ryland in the 2023 draft. It's a tough pill to swallow.

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