As the New England Patriots prepare to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 8, a variety of roster connections link the two teams. A total of eight players currently active have ties to both franchises. This article highlights their journeys and contributions in the NFL.
Patriots vs. Browns: 8 Key Roster Connections
1. Bailey Zappe – Quarterback
Bailey Zappe joined the Browns’ practice squad in August after previously making a mark with the Patriots. The 26-year-old quarterback started a season finale for New England last year and has also spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs. Zappe was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has played in 14 games, completing 63.2% of his passes for 2,053 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
2. DeAndre Carter – Wide Receiver
DeAndre Carter, now sidelined due to a knee injury, has played 111 games in the NFL since starting with the Oakland Raiders in 2015. His time with the Patriots began in December of his rookie year. Despite being placed on injured reserve recently, Carter’s career includes 117 receptions totaling 1,331 yards and seven touchdowns.
3. Thayer Munford Jr. – Offensive Tackle
Thayer Munford Jr. is another familiar face, retained by the Browns on the practice squad. After being signed to the Patriots’ roster in September, Munford is a former seventh-round draft pick from Ohio State. He has seen action in 46 games during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders, starting 18 of them.
4. Tre Avery – Cornerback
Tre Avery joined the Browns’ 53-man roster after being elevated from the practice squad. Previously with the Patriots, he was claimed off waivers and participated in the preseason. Since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent, Avery has played 42 games, recording 72 tackles and 11 passes defensed.
5. Corey Bojorquez – Punter
Corey Bojorquez began his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Although his time with the Patriots was brief, he has since established himself as a key punter with the Cleveland Browns. Over his career, he has punted 493 times for 23,271 yards, maintaining an impressive average of 47.2 yards per punt.
6. Joshua Dobbs – Quarterback
Joshua Dobbs is yet another quarterback with ties to both squads. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, he has played for multiple teams, including a recent stint with the Browns. Dobbs signed a two-year contract with the Patriots after accumulating 3,293 passing yards with 17 touchdowns in his career.
7. Austin Hooper – Tight End
Austin Hooper has experience with both teams, continuing to play at a high level. Initially a third-round draft pick in 2016, he was a two-time Pro Bowler with the Atlanta Falcons before playing for the Browns and now the Patriots. Hooper has recorded 55 receptions for 592 yards during his time in New England.
8. Sebastian Gutierrez – Offensive Tackle
Lastly, Sebastian Gutierrez joined the Patriots’ practice squad after McDonald was waived. He has previously been on the Browns’ practice squad and was undrafted from Minot State in 2022. Gutierrez’s journey includes stops with seven teams, highlighting the fluid nature of NFL rosters.
As the game unfolds at Gillette Stadium, these eight players will contribute to the intense competition between the Patriots and the Browns, showcasing the interconnected nature of NFL careers.
