By 4:00 PM ET today, all NFL teams will have to trim their rosters down to 75 players. The Patriots have already made a few moves, and their roster is down to 83. That means we should see eight more cuts or trades today.
Keep it here to discuss the day's happenings, as we'll post each cut as it goes down (or rather, as it's reported):
Patriots Current Roster Size: 79
Cuts to Go: 4
Moved already made:
Tommy Kelly, DT (released): Veteran was in the mix to start, and is the most surprising release thus far.
Will Smith, DE (released): Pushed down the depth chart after slow start in camp, and never created enough momentum to earn a spot.
James Anderson, LB (released): Veteran was solid in pass coverage in preseason, but was a luxury player that could only play passing downs.
Justin Jones, TE (waived): Rookie FA was a longshot to make the roster, having already been released and re-signed earlier in the preseason.
Wilson Van Hooser, WR (waived): Rookie FA receiver was a long shot to make the roster. Reportedly already has interest elsewhere.
Derrick Johnson, WR (waived): Athletic, local product's on-field performance never matched intriguing measurables.
Deontae Skinner, LB (waived): UDFA from Mississippi State was a longshot - behind several other young hopefuls at position.
Tyler Gaffney, RB (placed on injured reserve): This was the plan all along for Gaffney after being claimed off waivers from the Panthers.