Patriots Sign Safety Eric Butler Following Workout, Waive Defensive Tackle

A recent visitor to Gillette Stadium has returned one week later.

The New England Patriots announced the signing of safety Eric Butler on Friday. In a corresponding 91-man roster move, the organization waived defensive tackle David Blay Jr.

Butler, 23, was in Foxborough for a workout during the initial days of training camp in July. Prior to then, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound defensive back went unselected in the 2026 NFL draft and earned invitations to rookie minicamp with the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints. A San Diego State product, Butler appeared in 48 games, including 23 starts, during his Aztecs career. He totaled 119 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception returned a touchdown, as well as two blocked punts.

Blay, 23, had agreed to terms with the reigning AFC champions as part of the club’s undrafted class in May. The 6-foot-2, 292-pound rookie defensive lineman began his collegiate career at West Chester before stints at Louisiana Tech and Miami. Blay checked into 46 games over that span. And from 2023 through 2025, he made 35 appearances while notching 90 tackles and 6.5 sacks between Conference USA and ACC play.

The Patriots move further into August with eight safeties in the fold, including Kevin Byard, Craig Woodson, Mike Brown, Dell Pettus, John Saunders Jr., Peter Manuma and special teams captain Brenden Schooler, who remains on the non-football injury list.

On the interior defensive line, New England’s depth chart now stands at nine, including Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Cory Durden, Joshua Farmer, Leonard Taylor III, Eric Gregory, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Isaiah Iton and recent addition Casey Rogers.

The preseason opens next Thursday at Gillette Stadium with a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff against the Indianapolis Colts.