The Patriots signed seven players, including Underwood, to future contracts on Tuesday. The New England wideout had been released on Saturday, less than 24 hours before the Patriots' Super Bowl clash with the Giants.
The Pats promoted defensive end Alex Silvestro to the 53-man roster upon Underwood's Saturday release. No reason was initially given for the move, but it became increasingly clear that it was strictly a personnel decision.
Saturday's transaction, however minor it may have been for the Pats, raised eyebrows given its timing. The Patriots are no strangers to releasing players on the night before a game, but to see a player released on the eve of the biggest game in sports is inherently strange.
Underwood had participated in all of the Patriots' Super Bowl festivities, including media day, during which he sported a new Patriots-themed hairdoo. Underwood had shaved the Patriots' "Flying Elvis" logo into his high-top fade, which made the decision to cut him an even more emotional one for New England fans.
Underwood took his release in stride, though, expressing support for his former New England teammates during Sunday's game. Fortunately for him, the term "former" no longer applies. Underwood will now participate in the team's offseason activities with an eye on making contributions in 2012.
