Patriots have Cut LB Darius Fleming; Depth Now a Question Mark

The New England Patriots have parted ways with linebacker Darius Fleming. Fleming was under contract through the 2016 season and served as a special teams and back-up linebacker on the active roster.

I want to thank the Kraft family, my coaches, the Patriots organization and the fans for the amazing opportunity during the past two years in New England. I wish the organization nothing but the best going forward. ✊

A photo posted by Darius Fleming (@fleming58) on Mar 4, 2016 at 8:24am PST

Excited to see what good God has planned for me next

— Darius Fleming (@dfleming58) March 4, 2016

Fleming played 28 snaps on defense and 115 on special teams. He spent the past two seasons with the Patriots, participating in 16 regular and postseason games, tallying 12 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries.

The separation with Fleming, combined with the retirement of Jerod Mayo, leaves the Patriots thin at linebacker.

New England will start linebackers Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower, with Jonathan Freeny coming off the bench. Jonathan Bostic is the 4th linebacker on the depth chart. The Patriots are going to have to address the depth at the position in either free agency or the draft.