Patriots reportedly add tight end Julian Hill, safety Mike Brown as new league year opens
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 29: Julian Hill #89 of the Miami Dolphins carries the ball against the New York Jets during the second half of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesMore moves were around the corner in Foxborough after the 2026 NFL year opened at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
The New England Patriots have since agreed to terms with tight end Julian Hill and safety Mike Brown as unrestricted free agents, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.
Hill, 25, spent the past three seasons with the Miami Dolphins. The 2023 undrafted arrival out of Campbell has appeared in 45 games, including 26 starts, during his time in the AFC East. Primarily utilized as an inline blocker and on special teams, Hill stands with 33 receptions for 288 yards in his career. The 6-foot-4, 251-pound tight end was not tendered as a restricted free agent.
Brown, 26, entered the league as an undrafted rookie by way of Miami of Ohio in 2022. Following stops on the practice squads of the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns, the 6-foot-1, 218-pound safety joined the 53-man roster of head coach Mike Vrabel's former Tennessee Titans in 2023. He appeared in 35 games from there in the AFC South, logging 59 tackles, two passes defensed as well as five starts.
This story will be updated.