Patriots host two free agents for workouts after Raiders game

After the Las Vegas Raiders visited Gillette Stadium, so did two free agents.

The New England Patriots hosted defensive end Diego Paz Gonzalez and defensive back Dontae Manning for workouts on Monday, according to the NFL transaction wire.

Gonzalez, 23, checks in as a member of the NFL International Player Pathway. Born in Galicia, Spain, the 6-foot-3, 223-pound edge rusher was named the American Football League Europe’s Most Improved Defensive Player Player of the Year in 2026. From the regular season into the postseason with Germany’s Rhein Fire, he registered 48 tackles, nine sacks, four pass breakups as well as one interception returned for a touchdown.

Manning, 25, entered the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2025. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound cornerback out of Oregon cleared waivers following his rookie training camp and signed to the Chicago Bears’ practice squad at its formation. Manning was retained in the NFC North on a futures contract in January before being part of the league’s cutdown in August. His 2026 preseason brought 11 tackles over the course of 121 snaps between defense and special teams.

Head coach Mike Vrabel’s 3-2 Patriots currently carry one open spot on the 53-man roster and one open spot on the 17-man practice squad.

That’s following a series of weekend moves that included the activation of safety Brenden Schooler from the non-football injury list, the promotion of cornerback Kindle Vildor, as well as the placement of fullback Reggie Gilliam and wide receiver Mack Hollins on injured reserve.

Linebacker K.J. Britt and safety Elliott Davison reverted to the practice squad after serving as standard elevations for the 45-17 rout in Foxborough.

The New York Jets head to Gillette Stadium next Sunday. The AFC East kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.