Rookie Quintayvious Hutchins earns final roster spot with New England Patriots

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed Tuesday that rookie linebacker Quintayvious Hutchins secured a spot on the team's final 53-man roster. The decision followed a strong preseason showing from Hutchins, who was selected as the No. 247 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Vrabel specifically cited the rookie’s coachability and his performance on special teams as critical factors in his roster retention. During the preseason, Hutchins recorded two tackles against the Indianapolis Colts and added a sack with a tackle for loss in a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. After transitioning from a long-shot draft choice to a depth option at outside linebacker, Hutchins will now focus on increasing his playing time in the upcoming 2026 season. His development through the offseason program and training camp proved sufficient to move him up the team's depth chart.

• 6:40 PMYahoo Sports — Mike Vrabel reveals reason long-shot draft pick made 53-man roster