New England added a veteran tight end with special-teams experience, a move that likely pushes undrafted rookie Tanner Arkin off the 53-man roster and toward the practice squad.
UDFA Tanner Arkin, who made the initial 53-man roster after a strong summer, is likely headed to the practice squad now that Latu is on the roster.
Brenden Schooler’s four-game absence increased the need for special-teams depth, a role Latu can fill immediately.
# What happened Latu off the waiver wire. The pickup came after New England was near the bottom of the waiver priority, and the team reportedly added two players that afternoon. Latu's arrival creates a roster puzzle for the Patriots' tight end room and their special-teams unit.
# Why it matters Tanner Arkin, an undrafted rookie who earned a spot on New England's initial 53-man roster after a strong summer, now faces a likely demotion to the practice squad. Arkin's inclusion on the roster was notable because the tight end group is relatively inexperienced. Latu, by contrast, brings a combination of special-teams chops and some pro and college experience that fits the team's immediate needs.
# Latu's fit with New England Latu was a third-round pick in 2023. His NFL path has included time with the 49ers, a stint on the Browns' practice squad, and last season with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played in 15 regular-season games and made two starts in his career up to this point. In college, his final season at Alabama produced 56 receptions for 787 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Patriots coaching staff values players who can contribute on special teams and handle multiple roles. Latu has been used as a core special-teamer and in backfield/hybrid blocking roles. That versatility increases his immediate utility, particularly given a temporary vacancy on the third unit.
# Roster context Brenden Schooler will miss the first four games of the season, creating an immediate special-teams gap. New England needed depth there, and Latu provides a ready-made option. The tight end room still includes Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon, so Latu projects behind them in the pecking order but ahead of or in place of less-proven options for game-day duties and special teams snaps.
# What this likely means for Tanner Arkin Arkin impressed in the preseason and made the 53-man roster, but his NFL experience is limited. With Latu's arrival, Arkin's path to staying active on game days narrows. The most likely immediate outcome is the team moving Arkin to the practice squad, where he can continue developing and regain consideration for promotion later in the season.
# Short-term outlook
# Bottom line Claiming Cameron Latu addresses an immediate special-teams and depth need and likely results in undrafted rookie Tanner Arkin shifting off the active roster. Arkin still retains a development path via the practice squad, while Latu provides New England a plug-in option for early-season game-day duties.
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