Being on an NFL practice squad means that the 31 other teams have an opportunity to sign you to a higher-paying position.

That was the case for the New England Patriots’ 2025 fifth-round draft pick, Bradyn Swinson, who told MassLive that despite several efforts from AFC rivals, New England was where he wanted to be.

“I’ll just tell you one — Buffalo was one of them,” Swinson said. “A lot of division rivals were reaching out, trying to get you off your division squad, but you know how that goes. But other than that, everything was pretty good. I’m squared away being a Patriot, and I love being here.”

The 6-foot-4 rookie is yet to make a gameday roster, but this week, he was activated from the practice squad to the 53-man roster after Milton Williams was placed on injured reserve.

Reports indicated that the move was done to prevent teams from poaching the young talent, but it appears that Swinson was already taking it upon himself to do just that.

“I’m a big firm believer in finishing what I started,” Swinson said. “And yeah, other teams were reaching out about 53-man (rosters) and just reaching (saying) that’s a pay raise and everything, trying to get a spot, but I actually really wanted to be here. These are guys that took a chance on me in the fifth round, and I feel like I want them to get everything they got out of me.”

Swinson went on to say that head coach Mike Vrabel told him from the beginning that he was not at the top of the depth chart in New England’s pass rush room.

He believes that the coaching staff being honest with him when he wasn’t ready to be on the active roster made this moment more meaningful.

“Honestly, it just feels like all the work that I put in is paying off,” Swinson said.