A niche skill is predicted to help an undrafted free agent sleeper shine for the New England Patriots, tight end CJ Dippre.

The Patriots signed three players who tried out for the team during rookie minicamp and released one undrafted free agent in a corresponding roster move. The Patriots signed defensive tackle Isaiah Iton, who was with the Titans last season, and rookie free agents guard Mehki Butler and defensive tackle Wilfried Pene.

Birdow was officially signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent on May 9. He was a local product, having played offensive tackle at Merrimack. He began his collegiate career as a defensive lineman at Old Dominion before transferring to Merrimack, where he found his most success.