Patriots reverse course, trade Caedan Wallace to Dolphins instead of release

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 16: New England Patriots offensive tackle Caedan Wallace (70) looks on after the NFL preseason game between the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings on August 16th, 2025, in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesUpdate 8/10/2026: Patriots reverse course, trade Caedan Wallace to Dolphins instead of release

Caedan Wallace will be leaving the New England Patriots, but his departure will look differently than previously reported. Instead of getting waived by the team that had originally selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he has been traded to the Miami Dolphins.

The Patriots, who made the move official on Monday, are receiving a 2028 sixth-round draft pick for Wallace and a 2029 seventh-rounder.

Original story 8/10/2026: Patriots reportedly release former third-round draft pick Caedan Wallace, re-sign long snapper

The New England Patriots decided to extend the tenure of one of their players on Monday. They also opted to end another's.

Offensive lineman Caedan Wallace, a third-round round selection by the team in the 2024 NFL Draft, is being released. NFL insider Jordan Schultz was first to report the news.

In a follow-up move reported by Mike Reiss of ESPN, the team has re-signed long snapper Niko Lalos.

Wallace, 26, joined the Patriots as the 68th overall pick in the 2023 draft. He played in six games with two starts during an injury-disrupted rookie campaign, followed by a move from tackle to guard ahead of a four-game sophomore campaign. He entered this year's training camp as a backup along the interior O-line, but was recently demoted to third-string in favor of second-year man Mehki Butler.

Lalos, 29, spent time with the Giants and Saints since entering the NFL as a rookie free agent in 2020. 6-foot-5, 270-pound Dartmouth product, who also had a stint with the now-defunct Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL, has a combined six games on his resume. Playing 72 snaps each on special teams and defense, the converted defensive end has registered six tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery.

Lalos had originally joined the Patriots in March on a one-year free agency deal. He was released again in May and has now returned.

With him on the Patriots' active roster in place of Wallace, the team is keeping a full stack of players heading toward the upcoming joint practice and preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts.