Patriots Cut LB Tarpinian, Sign OG Kline

The Patriots have cut linebacker Jeff Tarpinian from the practice squad in order to make space for offensive lineman Josh Kline.

Tarpinian was an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2011 who made his way on the practice squad as a rookie. His rookie year, he eventually made it to the active roster and was a strong contributor on special teams and in sub-packages, before being placed on the IR with a head injury. He made it back to the practice squad in 2012, and was promoted up to the active roster before being cut for cornerback Aqib Talib. Tarpinian continued to fight behind some serious depth at linebacker, but was unable to crack the active roster and was stashed on the practice squad (again) in 2013. Unfortunately, his value seems to be less needed as the roster is full of athletic linebackers.

Josh Kline was the right guard for the Patriots second string offensive line and played the most snaps for the offense. Pro Football Focus graded him as average, and the coaching staff clearly liked his development as they kept him on the active roster to protect him from waivers as long as he could. Kline was released to bring back veteran cornerback Marquice Cole and Kline managed to go unclaimed. Kline, a former state champion of wrestling, will now be able to develop on the practice squad with the hope of being the next star project of the Patriots school of offensive linemen.