Patriots Release Two Players With Key Returns Looming

The New England Patriots announced on Monday that they released cornerback Miles Battle and center Brendan Jaimes.

Battle is in his second season in the NFL. He was originally an undrafted free agent who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. He was released by Kansas City after training camp and signed with the Patriots’ practice squad. He played in the season finale last season. This season, he was signed to the Patriots’ practice squad before the season and has played in five games. He has played 83 snaps, with most coming on special teams.

Jaimes made his NFL debut in 2021 with the Los Angeles Chargers. He originally entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick out of Nebraska. He signed with the Patriots’ practice squad in September and has played in three games. He has 29 snaps to his name this year.

The two releases may point to Will Campbell and Milton Williams returning to the active roster. Williams has not played since Nov. 13. He was placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury.

The Patriots had already opened his 21-day practice window, starting the countdown for his return, but did not activate him before the game against the New York Jets. Campbell is expected to practice this week, and that will open his 21-day window to be activated.

Campbell was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He has been a great addition, and his return will give the offensive line a huge boost. Williams was the Patriots’ big free agency addition.

The Patriots signed Williams to a four-year, $104 million deal in free agency. He has 3 1/2 sacks and seven tackles for a loss this season. Campbell has started every game he has played in.

Campbell has been great at protecting Drake Maye’s blindside. He has committed two holding penalties, and only one was enforced. Getting him back, as well as Williams, will be huge for the Patriots as they look to the playoffs.