The Patriots released defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. Saturday and filled his roster spot by signing defensive lineman Cory Durden from their practice squad to the active roster.
Pharms Jr. started five of 16 game appearances last season, recording 33 tackles and two sacks. The 6-foot-2, 300-pounder worked his way up from the practice squad in 2022, then spent time on the active roster the past two seasons. Pharms, 28, was slated to be a backup in Mike Vrabel’s defense, which has called for leaner, more explosive defensive linemen after years of running a Bill Belichick system predicated on run-stuffers.
Durden, 26, signed to the practice squad on Aug. 28 after receiving his release from the Giants. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Lions in 2023, then signed with the Rams. He appeared in four games for Los Angeles that season and spent most of the 2024 season on the Rams’ practice squad. The Giants signed him away last December, and he played in four games, making 10 tackles and one tackle for loss for New York.
Durden joins newly-signed Eric Gregory on the Patriots’ defensive line depth chart. The Pats signed Gregory, an undrafted rookie who spent the summer with Cincinnati, on Aug. 29.
Ahead of Sunday’s season opener versus Las Vegas, the Pats also elevated cornerback Corey Ballentine and linebacker Mark Robinson from the practice squad. Both could appear in Sunday’s game.