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New England Patriots sign former Detroit Lions linebacker Erick Hunter

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 8:55 PM

Last updated Sep 1, 2026

New England Patriots sign former Detroit Lions linebacker Erick Hunter

Summary

The New England Patriots signed rookie linebacker Erick Hunter to their 53-man active roster on Tuesday. The move comes after Hunter was waived by the Detroit Lions during final roster cuts last Sunday. Although Hunter cleared waivers, the Patriots secured him for their active roster before he could join the Lions' practice squad. The 23-year-old out of Morgan State previously competed for a spot in a deep Detroit linebacker group that ultimately prioritized special-teams experience. Hunter appeared in training camp for Detroit and recorded an interception against Jared Goff during a preseason scrimmage. He now joins New England ahead of the NFL regular season.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Erick Hunter signed with the New England Patriots 53-man active roster on Tuesday.
•The Detroit Lions waived Hunter following a preseason victory over Indianapolis.
•Hunter cleared waivers before the Patriots signed him to the active roster.
•Detroit kept six linebackers on their final roster instead of Hunter.
•Hunter recorded 102 tackles and four sacks during his final season at Morgan State.

Latest Updates

8:55 PMYahoo Sports — Detroit Lions Lose Promising Rookie to Patriots

What they're saying

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Former Detroit Lions rookie linebacker Erick Hunter has signed with the New England Patriots' 53-man active roster after being waived by Detroit during final roster cuts.
— Yahoo Sports

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