HC Nick Sirianni calls young linebacker Patrick Johnson “a steal the entire NFL overlooked”

Foxborough, Massachusetts. Today The Patriots didn’t just keep a high-potential rookie on the 53-man roster. They kept a loyal player, someone who believes in this organization even when standing in front of a much bigger contract from a division rival. Defensive rookie Bradyn Swinson has become the story that moves the entire Patriots Nation when he revealed he once turned down “an extremely massive offer” from the Buffalo Bills just to continue staying in New England. Swinson’s journey has changed dramatically in just a few months. Being a 5th-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and having had an impressive season at LSU with 8.5 sacks, he shocked many people when he was cut by the Patriots at the end of training camp. But instead of being disappointed, Swinson accepted to join the practice squad and threw himself into training under the guidance of head coach Mike Vrabel, while many teams — especially rivals in the AFC East — continuously approached with attractive offers. Among them, the Buffalo Bills were the most aggressive team, ready to put forward a big offer to pull Swinson straight into the active roster. But the young rookie affirmed he never wavered. In the sharing that touched the hearts of fans, he said: “I always thought I had a chance with this team. From the very first day I set foot in Foxborough, I already felt this was the place I belonged to. No matter how many offers, no matter how many attractive numbers were placed in front of me, my heart still chose to stay. I want to fight for this jersey, for the people who believed in me even when everything was no longer certain.” A sincere statement, enough to make the Patriots community choke with emotion at the dedication spirit of the 23-year-old rookie. This week, the Patriots officially signed Swinson to the 53-man roster — as a well-deserved reward for his perseverance and loyalty. This decision also came at the right time when defensive star Milton Williams has to miss at least four games due to an ankle injury, forcing the Patriots to find additional resources for the pass rush. Swinson will step into that role, not as a temporary solution, but as a player who has created his own opportunity through persistent effort. To Patriots Nation, the act of refusing money and opportunity from the Bills to stay in New England has meaning far beyond football. It recalls the era when the Patriots were built on loyalty, fighting spirit, and internal belief. One fan wrote: “Lâu lắm rồi mới có một người lựa chọn chúng ta như vậy.” And now, when the final opportunity has finally arrived, Bradyn Swinson is no longer just a rookie. He is the embodiment of the Patriots spirit.