Since re-signing linebacker and defensive team captain Dont’a Hightower five days ago, the New England Patriots have not made another personnel move. Today, the Patriots’ inactivity has found an end, though, as the team let go one of its depth players.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, New England has released running back Tyler Gaffney:
The Patriots have waived RB Tyler Gaffney, per league source.
After getting selected in the sixth round of the 2014 draft by the Carolina Panthers, the Patriots claimed Gaffney off waivers two months later. However, he failed to make an impact his first three years in the league: Seasons one and two ended both on injured reserve, while his third year in the NFL saw him move between injured reserve and New England’s practice squad and active roster.
Still, the Patriots decided to sign the 25-year old to a futures contract after the Super Bowl. However, they opted to let him go yet again. As a result of the move, New England now has four pure running backs remaining on its roster: James White, Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead - all three of whom locks to make next year’s team - as well as D.J. Foster.
Gaffney is subject to the waiver wire and will become a regular unrestricted free agent if not claimed.