With the preseason in the books for all 32 NFL clubs, cut-down day is upon us. While some Bruins found themselves on rosters, one former Bruin will be looking for a new team after today.
Interior offensive lineman, Atonio Mafi, who was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2023 in the sixth round, was cut today. Mafi, who started five games for the Patriots last season, fell victim to the roster cut-down according to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald.
New England’s offensive line has been in disarray all summer long as they have dealt with injuries and underperformance. Despite their need for big bodies up front, Mafi’s less-than-productive preseason has him on the waiver wire for other teams to claim.
Mafi was a second-team All-Pac-12 player for the Bruins in 2022, playing in a record-tying 56 games for UCLA, and still has some upside. Able to play guard and center in a pinch, Mafi could be a reserve swing player for an NFL club looking to add depth along the offensive line.
That said, there is still a chance if Mafi slips through the waiver wire he is signed to the Patriots practice squad again.