Patriots Waive 2024 Third-Round Pick Caedan Wallace, Re-Sign Long Snapper Niko Lalos
The New England Patriots are barely three weeks into training camp and still three days from their preseason opener, but they’ve already made a notable roster cut. New England is releasing offensive lineman Caedan Wallace, a 2024 third-round pick, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
“Sources: The #Patriots are releasing OT Caedan Wallace,” Schultz posted on X Monday. “Wallace was their 3rd-round pick in 2024 out of Penn State. He will go on waivers as he looks for a fresh start.” —
Sources: The #Patriots are releasing OT Caedan Wallace.
Wallace was their 3rd-round pick in 2024 out of Penn State. He will go on waivers as he looks for a fresh start. pic.twitter.com/h8chYajaEl
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 10, 2026
The move was quickly confirmed by multiple outlets. NBC Sports reported the Patriots are waiving the offensive lineman, while Pats Pulpit confirmed the release came directly from Schultz’s reporting. New England selected Wallace with the 68th overall pick out of Penn State in the 2024 NFL Draft, viewing him as a developmental prospect with the size and pedigree to start at tackle or guard.
That development never fully materialized. Wallace appeared in just 10 games across two seasons, with two starts as a rookie. His offensive workload cratered in 2025 — he played only eight offensive snaps last year after a significant ankle injury early in his rookie campaign derailed his progress. A to Z Sports reported Wallace also picked up another injury last week during camp, and with the offensive line picture crowding around him, the Patriots decided to move on.
Why the Patriots Made the Move
This isn’t a cap-driven decision. Per NFL Trade Rumors, Wallace’s release creates roughly $607,564 in dead money — the proration of his signing bonus — with no real financial relief attached. The move is about the roster spot, not the money.
New England has been stacking young offensive line talent this offseason. First-round tackle Will Campbell anchors the group, interior lineman Jared Wilson has carved out a role, and the team added guard Alijah Vera-Tucker in free agency. PatsFans.com reported Wallace had been working at guard in camp but was recently bumped down to third-string behind second-year lineman Mehki Butler, signaling this was a make-or-break camp for him.
The room simply got too crowded, and Wallace was on the outside looking in.
Patriots Bring Back Long Snapper Niko Lalos
The Wallace move comes alongside a corresponding addition. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots are re-signing long snapper Niko Lalos to challenge incumbent Julian Ashby for the roster spot.
“Long snapper Niko Lalos is back in town and signing with the Patriots, per a source. Spent time with New England in the spring and adds competition for incumbent Julian Ashby,” Reiss wrote Monday.
This is a reunion, not a new arrival. Lalos originally signed with New England back in March before being waived in May, and now he’s getting another look. At 6-foot-5 and roughly 269 pounds, the converted defensive end brings unusual size for the position. He’ll compete with Ashby, a seventh-round pick who handled long-snapping duties for all of New England’s games last season without a miss.
The timing lines up with the calendar. The Patriots open their preseason slate Thursday at Gillette Stadium against the Indianapolis Colts, giving the coaching staff an immediate opportunity to evaluate both snappers under game conditions.
What’s Next for Wallace
At 26 and still on his rookie contract, Wallace figures to draw interest on waivers. Reports indicate the Cincinnati Bengals are among the teams that could look at him as depth. If he clears waivers, he’ll be a free agent able to sign with any club looking for offensive line depth heading into the regular season.
