Johnnie Izquierdo / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots have made a series of moves to adjust their practice squad, adding a tight end from the Netherlands via the International Player Pathway Program and a defensive lineman recently released by a division rival.
The Patriots announced on Thursday that they have signed TE Thomas Odukoya (pronounced – OH-due-COY-ah) and DL Leonard Taylor III to the practice squad. To make room for the new additions, the team released TE Marshall Lang and DL David Olajiga from the practice squad.
New Additions: Odukoya and Taylor
TE Thomas Odukoya: The 28-year-old Odukoya, a native of the Netherlands, originally entered the NFL with the Tennessee Titans in 2022 as part of the league’s International Player Pathway Program (IPPP) after playing collegiately at Eastern Michigan.
Career: Odukoya spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons on the Titans’ practice squad. He has played in a handful of NFL games, primarily on special teams, and was recently signed to the Titans’ active roster before being waived earlier this week. The 6-foot-6, 253-pound tight end is primarily valued for his blocking ability and work ethic.
DL Leonard Taylor III
Background: Taylor, 23, joins the Patriots after beginning his career with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Miami (FL) in 2024.
Career: The 6-foot-3, 305-pound defensive tackle made the Jets’ initial 53-man roster as a rookie and played in 14 games in 2024, recording 24 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. He appeared in two games for the Jets this season before being waived, allowing the Patriots to claim him for their practice squad.
Corresponding Practice Squad Releases
The following players were released to create the necessary roster spots on the 16-man practice squad:
TE Marshall Lang: Was signed to the practice squad just two days prior.
DL David Olajiga: Was an undrafted rookie out of UCF.
The Patriots also signed veteran safety Richie Grant on Wednesday to the practice squad.