In preparation for Week 1, the New England Patriots have made several roster moves to strengthen their lineup. One of the more notable additions is veteran defensive back Corey Ballentine. The 29-year-old joined New England’s practice squad on August 28, 2025, after stops with the New York Giants, Jets, Lions, and Packers over seven NFL seasons. Originally a sixth-round pick out of Washburn in 2019, Ballentine has appeared in 69 career games, totaling 67 tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles, and 37 kickoff returns for 876 yards, including 11 starts. After brief stints with Indianapolis and Green Bay this offseason, he now looks to bring his experience and versatility to the Patriots’ secondary.
Linebacker Mark Robinson also received a promotion from the practice squad. The 26-year-old, a seventh-round pick out of Mississippi in 2022, spent three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing in 38 games with four starts. He has recorded 34 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and 11 special teams tackles during his NFL career. Signed to the Patriots’ practice squad alongside Ballentine on August 28, Robinson adds depth to New England’s linebacker unit and could see action early this season.
In other roster moves, the Patriots signed defensive tackle Cory Durden to the active roster from the practice squad while releasing Jermimah Pharms. Durden, 26, joined New England’s practice squad just over a week ago after being released by the Giants. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Lions in 2023 and had a brief stint with the Rams before signing with New York. The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder has appeared in eight career games with 13 tackles.
Meanwhile, Pharms, 28, played in 28 games with five starts over the last two seasons for New England, recording 42 tackles and two sacks. He initially joined the Patriots in 2022 from the USFL and worked his way from practice squad to starter. With Durden, Ballentine, and Robinson now on the active roster, the Patriots are shoring up both their defensive line and backfield ahead of Sunday’s matchup.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
