With the 2014 roster cutdown deadline just hours away, the Patriots have reportedly made all but one move to get to 55 players. The team is likely far from done on the weekend, as the back-end of the roster will likely shift considerably with waiver claims and depth moves.
The Patriots only need to get to 55 because they are expected to keep both WR Brian Tyms and CB Brandon Browner through their four week suspensions.
So far, we have tracked down the following reported cuts:
WR Josh Boyce, LB Steve Beauharnais, DE Jake Bequette, RB Jonas Gray, DB Daxton Swanson, DT Jerel Worthy, TE Steve Maneri, FB/LB Taylor McCuller, WR Jeremy Gallon, OG Jon Halapio, RB Roy Finch, DB Kanorris Davis, LB Ja'Gared Davis, OL Braxston Cave, DB Shamiel Gary, L.T. Tuipulotu, LB James Morris, DL Eathyn Manumaleuna.
Chris Barker is also expected to be placed on the reserve/NFI list.
My first thought on these moves?
Where is the linebacker depth? With Beauharnais, Davis, and Morris all being released, the Patriots have virtually nothing in terms of depth as Chris White is almost strictly a special teams presence. This position will need to be addressed before week one.
A couple of 2014 draft selections were let go in WR Jeremy Gallon and OG Jon Halapio. Both moves were expected, but both could land on the practice squad if they fall through waivers. With Boyce being cut, Gallon's addition to that unit would be welcome.
Boyce of course, is the big cut here. The move wasn't unexpected. Back in mini-camp, it looked like Boyce would push for a starting spot in three receiver sets. But the early summer momentum didn't carry over into camp. With plenty of young bodies at the position, the team simply couldn't wait on their 2013 4th round draft choice.
Jake Bequette, a 2012 3rd round choice, has also been let go. In two years, despite being relatively healthy, Bequette couldn't manage to get on the field.