The addition of offensive tackle Kellen Diesch would not be the New England Patriots’ final move on Friday.
The organization signed safety A.J. Thomas, a 2024 All-UFL selection and champion, as first reported by Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald.
To make room on the 90-man roster, running back Deshaun Fenwick and offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. have been waived. Both were absent from Friday’s full-padded training camp practice in Foxborough.
Thomas, 24, went undrafted out of Western Michigan in 2022. The 6-foot-2, 214-pound defensive back, now in No. 35, spent parts of the past two years between the practice squad and active roster of the Chicago Bears. He appeared in six games over that span, logging 19 snaps on defense and 76 snaps on special teams before joining the Birmingham Stallions in February. His UFL contract was terminated to begin August after recording 23 tackles and tying for the league lead with three interceptions.
Fenwick, 24, signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in May. The 6-foot-1, 223-pound rookie rusher via South Carolina and Oregon State appeared in 50 games dating back to 2018. He totaled 385 carries for 2,118 yards and 18 touchdowns to go with 31 catches for 213 yards and two touchdowns. Last fall, the redshirt senior finished with 591 yards and seven touchdowns from scrimmage for the Beavers.
Wheatley, 27, was waived by New England with the injury designation, per the transaction wire. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound bookend saw his exclusive rights retained in March after being acquired from the Cleveland Browns last summer in exchange for running back Pierre Strong Jr. He outlasted the 53-man deadline and appeared in two games on special teams before being sent to injured reserve. A converted tight end by way of Michigan, Stony Brook and Morgan State, Wheatley went undrafted in 2020. The Spring League alum made his initial NFL stops with the Bears and Las Vegas Raiders.
The Carolina Panthers visit Gillette Stadium for the preseason opener next Thursday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.
