Patriots claim Tommy DeVito off waivers from Giants

The New England Patriots claimed quarterback Tommy DeVito off waivers from the New York Giants on Wednesday as both organizations continued an aggressive round of post-cutdown roster moves that included surprising veteran departures, practice-squad raids and cross-town poaching of players the Giants had hoped to retain. The claim came a day after NFL teams trimmed rosters to 53 players and followed a week in which DeVito’s preseason performance against New England — 17 of 20 for 198 yards and three touchdowns — thrust the 27-year-old into the waiver spotlight.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen said he was not surprised another team valued DeVito, adding, “We would have loved him back. He was claimed and we wish him nothing but the best.” Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said the move reflected a priority to “strengthen our roster at a premium position,” though he declined to comment further until DeVito formally joined the team.

DeVito was one of several veterans and fringe players whose status shifted in the fallout from Tuesday’s cutdown. The Patriots initially kept eight wide receivers on their 53-man roster only to release Kendrick Bourne and Javon Baker the next day after...