Patriots waive WR Devin Lucien off injured reserve with settlement

The New England Patriots will play the Kansas City Chiefs later today. However, that does not limit the team from making or potentially preparing personnel moves along the way. Yesterday, for example, the team worked out six free agents while also releasing a wide receiver off injured reserve: second-year man Devin Lucien.

The 6'2, 200 lbs originally joined the Patriots as a seventh round draft pick in the 2016 NFL draft after a productive college career. However, the Arizona State product was unable to crack the team's deep roster and was released during final roster cuts and signed to the practice squad. He spent his entire rookie campaign on New England's scout team and earned one practice player of the week honor in the process.

Lucien was signed to a one-year futures contract after the season and was one of the standout performers during training camp and the preseason. During the Patriots' four exhibition games, the 24-year old caught nine passes for 136 yards and a touchdown. However, Lucien was released with an injury designation on cutdown day and subsequently reverted to New England's injured reserve list.

Yesterday, the second-year man was waived off the list with an injury settlement. This means that Lucien will go through waivers and if not picked up by another team will receive pre-negotiated payments by New England for a period that depends on his injury. However, he cannot be re-signed by the Patriots during that time. Once the settlement period is over, Lucien is free to join any team's roster or practice squad again.