The New England Patriots have officially filled the final spot on their 90-man roster, and it's a move that adds some intriguing potential to their edge rush rotation. On Monday, the team signed undrafted rookie edge rusher Xavier Holmes, who impressed during a tryout at New England's rookie minicamp last weekend.

Holmes, a Maryland native, went undrafted after a standout 2025 season at James Madison, where he recorded six sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss. He also showed his versatility by deflecting four passes. Before his time at JMU, Holmes spent four seasons at Maine from 2021 to 2024, where he racked up 8.5 sacks, steadily building his reputation as a relentless pass rusher.

Now, Holmes will have the chance to compete for a spot in the Patriots' edge rotation during the lead-up to the 2026 season. He joins a group that includes established starters like Harold Landry and Dre'Mont Jones, as well as 2026 draft picks Gabe Jacas and Quintayvious Hutchins. For a young player looking to make his mark, this is a golden opportunity to learn from veterans and prove his worth in training camp.

As the Patriots continue to build depth on defense, Holmes' journey from undrafted free agent to potential roster contributor is one to watch. Whether you're a die-hard New England fan or just love tracking NFL underdog stories, this signing adds a layer of excitement to the team's defensive future.