Patriots’ Roster Still in Motion

If you thought that the New England Patriots were done setting their roster after this past weekend’s roster moves, you were wrong. The day started with rumors that Rob Gronkowski’s brother Dan was joining the team. The Pats currently have two tight ends on their roster (Rob, Aaron Hernandez), leaving the position very thin, especially when you consider all of the multiple tight end packages the team runs. Dan Gronkowski is a tight end who has played with the Lions and the Broncos, so he would add depth to the position, but he has yet to sign with the Patriots. He was in for a workout earlier Tuesday.

But the Patriots did add and cut a player today.

In a move that was long expected and called for by many Patriots fans, CB Darius Butler was released by the team. It didn’t take long for the former second-round pick to find a new home as he was claimed by the Carolina Panthers. Perhaps the change in scenery will reinvigorate his career. I wish him the best of luck on his new team, and perhaps his performance can finally meet his potential.

Filling in Butler’s spot on the roster is LB A.J. Edds, who was claimed off waivers after being released by the Miami Dolphins. Edds was drafted last year by the Dolphins in the fourth round after a standout college career for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He did not play his rookie season due to an ACL injury suffered in training camp, but he has a ton of potential. He can play multiple linebacker positions, which likely drew the Patriots towards him.

The Patriots also had a number of players, in addition to Dan Gronkowski, in for workouts today. CB Will Allen, who has played for the Giants and the Dolphins, was in and could provide some veteran depth to a young secondary. Tight ends John Nalbone and Justin Peelle were also in for a workout, though who’s not pulling for Dan Gronkowski? Two other secondary players were also in for workouts in S Vincent Fuller (former Tennessee Titan) and CB Phillip Adams (former 49er).

Out of all of these players, the ones that stand the best chance at sticking are Gronkowski and Will Allen. Both play positions in need of depth and both have the talent to be contributors, though you would not want either starting at this point. If one thing is clear at this point it’s that the Patriots are not done with their roster and changes are likely to continue.

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