The New England Patriots have informed OG Josh Kline of his release, after the attempt to trade Kline to the Philadelphia Eagles fell through, according to multiple reports.
Patriots have informed G Josh Kline that they are releasing him. Kline was originally included in trade with Eagles for CB Eric Rowe.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 7, 2016
The Patriots originally included Kline with a conditional 2018 4th round pick in a trade to acquire former Eagles defensive back Eric Rowe. The Eagles had hoped they could trade Kline for additional assets, but after they couldn’t find a trade partner Kline was removed from the deal.
The 6’3, 300 pound Kline was an undrafted prospect out of Kent State in 2013 and spent a good portion of his rookie year on the Patriots practice squad. He developed into the top back-up guard in 2014 and became a full time starter in 2015. He will likely find suitors on the open market thanks to his experience as an 18-game starter for the Patriots.
Kline signed a 2-year extension to remain with the Patriots in November, but it was not enough to keep him on the roster. Unfortunately for Kline, he suffered a serious shoulder injury four weeks after signing the extension and required surgery this offseason. Kline has not returned to his peak form.
The Patriots are moving forward with rookie Joe Thuney and sophomore Shaq Mason as the likely starting guards, with Jonathan Cooper and rookie Ted Karras serving as the top back-ups.
Best of luck to Kline wherever he ends up.