This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/patriots/onsi as Giants Win Meant Something More to Newest Patriots Starter. Before the New England Patriots took the field for their primetime matchup with the New York Giants, the defensive starters lined up in the inflatable tunnel waiting for their solo introduction.

Prior to joining the Patriots, Durden spent time with the Lions, Rams and Giants. He found a nice fit in New England after getting cut by the Giants out of training camp and was quickly promoted to the 53-man roster. Learn more about Durden in this week’s installment of our New Patriots series.

The New England Patriots handled the New York Giants on Monday to close out Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season. Drake Maye dominated again, going 24 of 31 for 282 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots scored 30 points in the first half to secure the win against a Giants team that couldn’t get going.

The Patriots also saw the return of linebacker Jahlani Tavai, who played 15% of snaps versus New York. At defensive tackle, meanwhile, Cory Durden, Eric Gregory and rookie Joshua Farmer — freshly back from being a healthy scratch — played the biggest roles next to Christian Barmore.

Another pair of former Detroit Lions have been cut from NFL rosters at the deadline on Tuesday as defensive linemen Jeremiah Ledbetter and Cory Durden each found themselves on the wrong side of the New York Giants’ 53-man cutoff point. Ledbetter was ...