The Patriots have signed former Hawaii safety Peter Manuma. The Ewa Beach native joins the roster following a successful tryout during the team’s rookie minicamp, where he reportedly stood out for his speed and instincts.

While many undrafted players face a steep climb to the active roster, Manuma arrives with a collegiate resume that suggests he could be more than just a training camp body. 

During his 2025 season with the Rainbow Warriors, Manuma served as a team captain and established himself as a key part of the Hawaii defense. He led the team with 80 total tackles, proving to be a reliable open-field tackler with a nose for the football. His versatility in the secondary was further highlighted by his seven pass breakups—ranking second on the team—alongside 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack.

These numbers earned him an All-Mountain West honorable mention and solidified his reputation as a high-motor defender capable of playing both in the box and in deep coverage. 

For the Patriots, the signing addresses a specific developmental need. After navigating the 2026 NFL Draft without selecting a pure safety, the front office prioritized finding young talent to slot in behind veterans like Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson. Manuma’s athletic profile, highlighted by a 4.49-second 40-yard dash, gives New England a fast, aggressive prospect who fits the “positionless” mold often favored by the coaching staff. 

The path to the 53-man roster is often paved through special teams, an area where Manuma’s physical play style and speed should allow him to compete immediately. By moving quickly to sign him after his minicamp audition—beating out interest from other clubs like the Seattle Seahawks—the Patriots have signaled that they see legitimate upside in the Hawaii product.

As the team moves into the next phase of the offseason program, Manuma will look to follow in the footsteps of the many undrafted defensive backs who have turned a post-draft invitation into a long-term NFL career in New England.