The Patriots made a series of roster moves on Monday, signing defensive tackle Isaiah Iton (first-year player), guard Mehki Butler (rookie free agent) and defensive tackle Wilfried Pene (rookie free agent). 

The Patriots released former Merrimack offensive lineman Cole Birdow in the process. Birdow had a good pro day in March and earned a shot at rookie mini camp but he ultimately did impress enough to stick. 

These moves followed the team’s rookie mini-camp, where Butler and Pene participated on a tryout basis. Iton had previously signed with the Tennessee Titans as a rookie free agent in 2024 and spent time on their practice squad. 

Iton, 23, originally signed with the Tennessee Titans as a rookie free agent out of Rutgers on May 10, 2024. The 6-foot-2, 277-pounder, was released by Tennessee and spent the season on the practice squad. He signed a futures contract with the team after the season but was released on April 16, 2025. Iton played for Northern Colorado, Hutchinson Community College and Mississippi before playing at Rutgers.

Butler, 24, attended the Patriots rookie mini camp last weekend. The 6-foot-3, 310-pounder, earned NJCCA first-team All-America recognition at Iowa Western Community College in 2020 before transferring to Arkansas State. He started 38 games at left guard for Arkansas State.

Pene, 24, played in 34 games at Virginia Tech and finished with 63 total tackles with 4 sacks. The 6-foot-2, 283-pounder, played in all 13 games last season and finished with 33 total tackles and 3½ sacks. Pene was born in Tours, France but grew up in Connecticut.