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4 Patriots news items from Wednesday

By Connor Fulton

Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) reacts after dropping a pass during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) reacts after dropping a pass during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) scores a touchdown in front of Buffalo Bills linebacker Tony Steward (50) during the 2nd half at MetLife Stadium.The Bills defeated the Jets 22-17 Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) scores a touchdown in front of Buffalo Bills linebacker Tony Steward (50) during the 2nd half at MetLife Stadium.The Bills defeated the Jets 22-17 Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Tony Steward released

Just 48 hours or so after releasing Jon Bostic the Patriots cut ties with AFC East veteran Steward.  Steward’s time in New England was short; he lasted just two weeks with the team.

We recently examined the ripple effects of the Bostic trade, and the general reaction to this news is the same. Clearly, the Patriots are inclined to give draft picks Kamu Grugier-Hill and Elandon Roberts as well as undrafted pickup C.J. Johnson a chance. The linebacker depth chart had gotten a bit crowded before the departures of Bostic and Steward, and if it weren’t for this veteran shredding those rookies wouldn’t have stood much of a chance of making the final roster.

No matter what, if one of these freshman linebackers makes the team it will be as a result of excellent special teams ability shown in preseason. The bottom of the linebacker depth chart is usually characterized by willing, smart and minimal-mistake players.

Next: 1. Belichick speaking to Lacrosse Magazine

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