New NFL Rumors Reveal Patriots, Cardinals Trade Ahead of 2026 Roster Cuts Deadline

The New England Patriots are bolstering their running back room ahead of Sunday's roster cutdown deadline.

The Patriots acquired running back Corey Kiner from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round pick, Kiner's representatives told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Kiner could now replace injured running back Terrell Jennings as the Patriots' third option behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, ESPN's Mike Reiss noted.

NFL teams must cut down their rosters to 53 players by Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.

Jennings was placed on season-ending injured reserve Aug. 13. The Patriots later agreed to an injury settlement that meant Jennings could potentially play this season, per Reiss.

Hassan Haskins, Lan Larison, Jam Miller and JaMycal are among the running backs who have since been competing for the third spot on the Patriots' depth chart, Reiss noted. That trio could now be more likely candidates to be cut this Sunday.

Kiner was an undrafted 2025 free agent who spent time with the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings organizations before signing with the Cardinals. He went on to record 12 carries for 58 yards in four games with Arizona.

The 24-year-old is currently signed through next season on a contract that carries a cap hit of just over $1 million.

The Cardinals are moving Kiner off a running back depth chart led by Tyler Allgeier and star rookie Jeremiyah Love.

James Conner could be tabbed as RB3 once he is able to return from the right foot injury that has left his status uncertain for Week 1.

Kiner's departure and Conner's injury could create more opportunity for Bam Knight in the early stretch of the Cardinals' regular season.