The New England Patriots have begun making difficult roster decisions ahead of the 2025 NFL season, announcing the release of three young wide receivers in an effort to manage an increasingly crowded position group. The team parted ways with T.J. Luther, Malik Cunningham, and Thyrick Pitts—three promising but ultimately expendable pieces as the competition intensifies in Foxborough.
Each of these players brought unique traits to the team. T.J. Luther, an undrafted free agent out of Gardner-Webb, impressed scouts with his speed and willingness to contribute on special teams. Despite his athletic upside, Luther was viewed more as a developmental project. With limited reps in camp and preseason action, he became a victim of a numbers game.
Malik Cunningham was perhaps the most notable of the three cuts. Originally signed as a quarterback out of Louisville, Cunningham had transitioned to wide receiver in hopes of finding a long-term role with the Patriots. His versatility, athleticism, and work ethic earned him praise from coaches and teammates alike. He even saw some game action during the 2023 and 2024 seasons in various gadget packages. However, the Patriots’ continued investment in more traditional wideouts ultimately left Cunningham on the outside looking in.
Thyrick Pitts, another undrafted free agent, showed solid hands and route-running ability during his time at the University of Delaware. Pitts performed admirably during offseason programs and early training camp sessions but lacked the dynamic traits to separate himself from the deeper talent on the roster.
The releases underscore the challenges of managing a wide receiver room that has become unexpectedly competitive. With Kendrick Bourne returning as a veteran presence and emerging playmakers like Demario Douglas and Tyquan Thornton showing development, the Patriots are loaded with options. The team’s second-round pick, Ja’Lynn Polk, has also turned heads in camp, likely securing a significant role early in the season. Veterans such as K.J. Osborn and Jalen Reagor, both of whom bring NFL experience and versatility, are competing for depth roles and special teams contributions.
Head coach Jerod Mayo and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt are expected to reshape the Patriots’ offense in 2025, placing greater emphasis on rhythm passing and route timing. This makes route precision, chemistry with the quarterback, and versatility even more critical traits for wide receivers hoping to make the cut. Cunningham’s unconventional skill set and Pitts’ limited ceiling may not have aligned with the new vision.
While the decision to move on from young talent is always tough, it reflects a broader strategy to field a more balanced, experienced, and reliable offense. These cuts may not be the last, as roster evaluations continue ahead of the preseason. With several key position battles still unresolved, Patriots fans can expect more shakeups in the coming weeks.
For the released players, hope remains. With the NFL’s constant need for depth and athleticism, all three could find opportunities elsewhere or even return to the Patriots’ practice squad if they clear waivers. But for now, New England continues its march toward Week 1 with a clearer view of its offensive future.