Patriots’ addition of Antonio Brown leads to departures of Obi Melifonwu, Lance Kendricks

The addition of perennial All-Pro Antonio Brown has come at the expense of two.

As ESPN’s Field Yates reported Monday afternoon, the New England Patriots have waived safety Obi Melifonwu and released veteran tight end Lance Kendricks to clear room for Brown.

Melifonwu, who was among the inactives for New England’s season opener Sunday night after being ruled questionable with an ankle injury, originally entered the league as an Oakland Raiders second-round pick in 2017. The 25-year-old UConn product signed with New England last November, and appeared in two regular-season games during his stay. Melifonwu is eligible for the practice squad should he clear waivers on Tuesday.

And Kendricks, whose one-game NFL suspension expired following the Patriots’ 33-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, was set to count toward the 53-man roster. The 31-year-old had joined New England on the eve of training camp after spending eight seasons between the St. Louis Rams, Los Angeles Rams and the Green Bay Packers.

The exits of Melifonwu and Kendricks leave the current active roster with five safeties and two tight ends.

The Patriots are also left carrying eight wide receivers as next weekend’s trip to Miami Gardens edges closer. Brown joins the company of Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, Phillip Dorsett, Demaryius Thomas, Jakobi Meyers, Gunner Olszewski and captain Matthew Slater in the room.

New England’s wideouts combined for 14 receptions, 273 yards and three touchdowns Sunday at Gillette Stadium. All of the aforementioned aside from Thomas, who has been managing a hamstring injury, were active. And Olszewski and Slater combined for 31 snaps on special teams.

No. 32 overall pick N’Keal Harry and August arrival Cameron Meredith reside on injured reserve and physically unable to perform, respectively.