The New England Patriots have made a pair of moves prior to the start of camp, parting ways with long snapper Christian Yount and linebacker C.J. Johnson. Rookies are expected to report on Sunday, July 24th.
The Patriots were informed that long snapper Mean Joe Cardona would be available for the 2016 season, which allowed the team to move on from Yount, who had been serving as insurance. Cardona graduated from Navy, which meant there was a possibility he would have to serve prior to joining with the Patriots.
Johnson is a surprise cut as he was one of the Patriots undrafted free agent signings. Johnson is 6’2, 235 pounds and played both stand-up linebacker and edge defender while in college.
New England now has three open roster spots as they did not fill the roster spot vacated when they placed tight end Michael Williams on the injured reserve. It would not be out of character for the Patriots to add another kicker to lighten the load for Stephen Gostkowski, or a back-up quarterback to help during Tom Brady’s suspension.