UPDATE (5:45 p.m. ET): The Patriots confirmed they have released Anthony Johnson, via a team release.
UPDATE (4:20 p.m. ET): The New England Patriots have signed defensive lineman John Hughes and released D-lineman Anthony Johnson, Patriots coach Bill Belichick confirmed in an interview with WEEI’s “Dale & Holley.”
ORIGINAL STORY: The New England Patriots made a change to their defensive front Monday, reportedly signing one D-lineman and cutting ties with another.
First, the Patriots released Anthony Johnson, a source told NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. Johnson made New England’s 53-man roster after a surprisingly strong preseason and played in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, but he was inactive for each of the team’s last two games.
The Patriots then filled the vacant roster spot by signing former Cleveland Browns defensive tackle John Hughes, according to reports from ESPN’s Field Yates and the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe.
A third-round draft pick of the Browns in 2012, Hughes played in 53 games for Cleveland over five seasons before being released last week. The 27-year-old is listed at 6-foot-2, 320 pounds and is more run stuffer than pass rusher.
The Patriots defense now features three former Browns teammates: Hughes, defensive end Jabaal Sheard and linebacker Barkevious Mingo.
New England, which defeated the Houston Texans on Thursday to improve to 3-0, hosts the Buffalo Bills this Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
