Patriots sign young linebacker ahead of training camp

With the start of training camp days away, the Patriots are adding more depth to their linebacker position.

According to PM3 Sports Management, the Patriots are signing undrafted free agent Riley Wilson. He played last season at Arizona, where he posted 51 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and four pass breakups. After going undrafted, he spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.

Wilson had a remarkable journey in college, where he played for three different programs.

A native of Plano, Texas, Wilson started his collegiate journey at Hawaii as a tight end. During his 2020 freshman season, he played in one game, catching a 2-yard pass against Boise State. The next season, Wilson transitioned from tight end to linebacker and played as a core special teamer. After playing in only four games in 2022, he transferred to Montana for the 2023 collegiate season.

At Montana, Wilson established himself as one of the better linebackers in the nation.

Wilson led Montana in sacks (8.5) and tackles for loss (15) that season. In 2024, he finished with 83 tackles, 4.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits. He transferred to Arizona the following season.

Now, Wilson joins a Patriots team that’s seen plenty of change at the linebacker position behind starters Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss. This offseason, the team lost backups Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai, and Marte Mapu. They signed veteran K.J. Britt and drafted Namdi Obiazor. Wilson also joins Amari Gainer, Chad Muma, Khalil Jacobs and Otis Reese on the depth chart.

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