Just hours after Garrett Gilbert saw increased reps during New England Patriots organized team activities, the third-string quarterback was released.
The Patriots are cutting Gilbert, The Boston Globe’s Shalise Manza Young reported Thursday and the team later confirmed.
That’s because the Patriots have agreed to terms with veteran free-agent QB Matt Flynn, ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported. Flynn reportedly worked out with the Patriots on Wednesday, although the team hasn’t confirmed that or his deal.
Flynn will take over for Gilbert as the Patriots’ new third-stringer. They needed a veteran presence at the position with Tom Brady’s four-game suspension looming. Second-year pro Jimmy Garoppolo still is expected to be the starter to begin the 2015 season if Brady’s suspension holds. Brady will go in front of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on June 23 to appeal his suspension.
Flynn played with the Green Bay Packers in 2013 and 2014. He also has spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills. He was a seventh-round draft pick by the Packers out of LSU in 2008.
Gilbert originally was signed to the Patriots’ practice squad at the end of last season. He was a sixth-round draft pick by the St. Louis Rams in 2014.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
