The undrafted free agent had carried a roster exemption.
A roster that stood at 91 now stands at 90.
The New England Patriots announced the waiving of rookie defensive tackle Wilfried Pene on Thursday afternoon.
Patriots release DT Wilfried Pene: https://t.co/4EmIqRgrA9 pic.twitter.com/Uv0qOZUo9I
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 26, 2025
Pene, 24, had been signed in May after attending rookie minicamp at Gillette Stadium on a tryout basis. The organization received a roster exemption for the undrafted free agent, who was born in Tours, France, through the NFL’s International Player Pathway.
After turning to football as a tight end and defensive end at St. Thomas More School in Oakdale, Conn., Pene went on to appear in 47 games at Virginia Tech. The 6-foot-2, 283-pound former All-New England selection finished his Hokies career with 73 tackles, including nine for loss and five sacks. He started four games as a redshirt senior in the ACC last fall.
The Patriots filled out the roster earlier in the week by bringing back offensive lineman Yasir Durant, a 2021 trade acquisition, following an All-UFL and championship spring with the DC Defenders.
Veterans report for training camp in Foxborough on July 22. The opening practice is set for July 23.