New safety spotted at Patriots' practice is former second-round pick

Veteran free agent safety Richie Grant was spotted in the New England Patriots' locker room ahead of practice on Wednesday.

Grant, a former second-round draft pick, spent four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He was most recently a member of the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad. He has played in 67 games in total and made 33 starts. Throughout his NFL run, he has totaled 275 tackles, 17 pass deflections, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions.

The Patriots could be looking to add to their safety depth with Jaylinn Hawkins still sidelined with a hamstring injury. Veteran Kyle Dugger started against the New Orleans Saints last week and clearly struggled in pass coverage.

Free-agent safety Richie Grant (UCF, Falcons, 49ers) is here in the Patriots’ locker room, prepping for practice.

6-foot-0, 200 pounds. Entered the NFL as a second-round pick.

67 games played, 33 starts, 275 tackles, 3 INT.

Team had open spot on practice squad.— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 15, 2025

Although he's expected to fill the last spot on the Patriots' practice squad, Grant could see action sooner rather than later, depending on Hawkins' health status this week. He's an added emergency plan if the Patriots have to go into a game for a second straight week without their starter.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: New safety spotted at Patriots' practice is former second-round pick