The Patriots announced a few roster moves on Monday, including the surprise release of veteran defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick.
Deaderick, 25, was a seventh-round pick in 2010 and has spent the past three seasons making contributions on the Patriots’ defensive line. He played in 34 games, starting 14, and managed 51 tackles and five sacks during his tenure in New England.
He played sparingly as a rookie but saw increased time in his second year, playing a significant role in the Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl in 2011. He played in 14 games in 2012, but lost playing time to Kyle Love and rookie Justin Francis as the season wore on. The additions of interior linemen Armond Armstead and veteran Tommy Kelly seem to have made Deaderick expendable, leading to his release.
The team signed two offensive lineman, adding some much-needed depth to their line, with former Chargers guard Tyronne Green, which his agent confirmed this morning, and undrafted rookie free agent R.J. Mattes.
Mattes, 6-foot-6, 313 pounds, was a four-year starter at North Carolina State, rotating his playing time between guard and tackle.
The Patriots also announced the release of wide receiver Andre Holmes.
Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.
