Former Texas Longhorns cornerback D’Shawn Jamison’s latest stop in the NFL proved short-lived.
On Monday, the New England Patriots announced they had released the ex-Texas standout from their practice squad, just six days after signing him.
The move came as part of a broader set of roster transactions that included placing wide receiver Romeo Doubs on injured reserve and promoting safety Elliott Davison to the active roster.
For Longhorns fans, the news is familiar territory for the Houston native and Lamar High School product. Jamison spent five seasons in burnt orange from 2018-22, appearing in 60 games with 40 starts.
He finished his college career with 139 tackles, six interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown), 17 pass breakups, and solid production as a cover corner.
More memorably, he established himself as one of the program’s premier return specialists.
Jamison ranks fourth in Texas history in career kickoff returns (54) and kickoff return yards (1,435), averaging 26.6 yards per return with two touchdowns.
He added a punt return score and set a single-season school record with a 31.7 yards-per-return average on kickoffs in 2020, when he earned Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year honors.
That dual-threat skill set helped him earn an undrafted free-agent opportunity with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.
He appeared in 15 games as a rookie with the Carolina Panthers, primarily on special teams, and later spent time on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad (including a few elevations) before brief stops with the Arizona Cardinals and Patriots.
Throughout his professional career, Jamison has largely been used in a special teams role, echoing the return-game impact he made on the Forty Acres.
At 27, Jamison remains a proven contributor in the return game and a reliable special teams option who logged meaningful snaps and production in college.
The Patriots’ decision to move on so quickly reflects the tight roster math and depth charts common across the league rather than a reflection on his ability.
For a player who thrived in Austin by doing the little things—returning kicks, covering kicks, and making plays in the secondary—the path back to an active roster likely still runs through special teams excellence.
Longhorns fans have watched many former players navigate the practice-squad grind. Jamison’s résumé, built on versatility and big-play ability in Austin, gives him a legitimate chance to land elsewhere and continue his NFL career.
