Patriots Release Long Snapper Joe Cardona After Ten Seasons

The New England Patriots have released veteran long snapper Joe Cardona, their longest-tenured player and the last remaining member of a Super Bowl-winning Patriots roster. Cardona's departure follows the team's selection of Vanderbilt long snapper Julian Ashby in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, signaling a broader shift under new head coach Mike Vrabel. This offseason has seen the release of several long-time veterans and captains, including center David Andrews and linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley, leaving Jabrill Peppers as the only 2024 captain still on the roster after being stripped of his captaincy. The moves mark a significant transition as the Patriots seek new leadership and attempt to turn the page on their recent struggles, with no remaining players from the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady era. The changes reflect Vrabel's intent to reshape the roster through new draft picks and free-agent acquisitions. With these departures, the Patriots fully enter a new era, aiming to cultivate new team leaders.