Patriots Bolster Safety Depth with Davison Signing

The New England Patriots have signed safety Elliott Davison to their practice squad, aiming to strengthen their defensive backfield before the upcoming regular-season opener against Seattle on September 9, 2026. This acquisition addresses a growing concern for depth at safety, particularly with special-teams captain Brenden Schooler expected to miss at least four games due to injury.

Davison, a 24-year-old defensive back, joins the Patriots after spending time with the New Orleans Saints' practice squad. He entered the league as an undrafted rookie in April 2025 and has yet to participate in an NFL regular-season game. His college career included stints at the University of the Incarnate Word and UTSA, where he recorded 58 tackles in his senior season in 2024.

The Patriots also released defensive tackle Jalen Hunt from the practice squad in a corresponding move. Davison's path to the active roster likely depends on injuries within the current safety group, which includes Kevin Byard III, Craig Woodson, Jaylen Reed, and Dell Pettus. Mike Brown, already on the practice squad, represents a more seasoned option.

This strategic move by New England suggests a prioritization of secondary and special-teams depth over additional defensive line personnel on the practice squad, especially given Schooler's current unavailability. Davison offers a young player with potential special-teams contributions, ready to step in if defensive injuries occur.