Former Arizona Cardinals Wide Receiver Trent Sherfield Sr. Joins New England Patriots Ahead of Playoff Push

Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr. has officially found a new home in the NFL, signing with the New England Patriots’ practice squad ahead of their Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans.

The move comes at a critical point in the postseason, as New England looks to reinforce its depth and maintain momentum during a promising playoff run.

Sherfield became a free agent after his contract with the Arizona Cardinals expired earlier this week. He was one of eight Cardinals players whose deals ended, effectively opening the door for a new opportunity elsewhere in the league. It did not take long for Sherfield to land on his feet, as the Patriots quickly added the veteran wideout to their practice squad.

During the 2025 NFL regular season, Sherfield appeared in a total of 12 games split between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos. His journey this year was shaped by roster turnover and injuries, particularly in Arizona, where the wide receiver room was hit hard late in the season. As a result, the Cardinals brought Sherfield back into the organization in November in hopes of stabilizing the position group.

Despite the reunion, Sherfield’s role with the Cardinals remained limited. He appeared in just two games after rejoining the team and was targeted only once.

However, his value extended beyond the stat sheet. Sherfield’s experience, understanding of NFL offensive schemes, and ability to contribute on special teams made him a trusted depth option for a roster dealing with constant personnel changes.

The brief return to Arizona carried emotional significance for Sherfield. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018, beginning his professional career with the Cardinals. Reflecting on the moment, Sherfield previously described his return as a blessing and an opportunity he did not take lightly. For him, suiting up again in Arizona represented a full-circle moment in a career defined by perseverance and adaptability.

Now, Sherfield shifts his focus to New England, where he joins one of the league’s hottest teams heading into the postseason. The Patriots have surged at the right time, positioning themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders if they continue to play to their strengths. While Sherfield is currently on the practice squad, his presence provides valuable insurance at wide receiver and on special teams, especially as injuries and fatigue become increasingly common deep into the playoffs.

New England has long valued versatile, experienced players who can step into multiple roles when needed. Sherfield fits that mold well. Though he may not be a featured offensive weapon, his understanding of route concepts, blocking assignments, and situational football could make him a reliable call-up if the Patriots need reinforcements during their postseason run.

For the Arizona Cardinals, Sherfield’s departure marks another small step in what has been a turbulent season and an uncertain offseason. The franchise is once again searching for stability after parting ways with head coach Jonathan Gannon following three seasons. Expectations were high entering the year, but inconsistent performance and unmet goals ultimately led to organizational change.

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill addressed the situation publicly, acknowledging the frustration felt throughout the organization and among the fan base. He emphasized that the decision to move on from Gannon was rooted solely in the desire to win and restore the team’s competitive edge.

Bidwill pointed to recent examples around the league, noting how several franchises that made coaching changes one or two years ago are now competing in the playoffs. He expressed confidence that the Cardinals can follow a similar path with the right leadership in place.

“We know we can turn this around,” Bidwill said. “This search is going to be thorough and broad, and we’re confident we’re going to select the right coach. We want to be that next story where things flip quickly.”

The Cardinals have experienced relatively fast turnarounds in the past, and ownership remains optimistic that a new coaching hire can spark immediate improvement rather than requiring a prolonged rebuild. As the search begins, the organization is focused on identifying a leader capable of maximizing the roster’s talent and establishing a consistent winning culture.

Meanwhile, Sherfield’s journey serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of life in the NFL. From going undrafted to carving out a role across multiple teams, his career has been defined by resilience and readiness. While his time in Arizona this season was brief, it allowed him to stay active and remain on the radar of contending teams.

As the Patriots prepare for their Divisional Round clash with the Houston Texans, Sherfield will continue working behind the scenes, learning the playbook and contributing in practice. Whether or not he sees game action, his signing reflects New England’s commitment to depth, preparation, and flexibility—key ingredients for any team with championship aspirations.

For both franchises, this moment represents two very different paths. The Patriots are firmly focused on the present, chasing playoff success and potentially another Super Bowl appearance. The Cardinals, on the other hand, are looking toward the future, aiming to rebuild, retool, and reestablish themselves as contenders in the seasons to come.