Patriots release linebacker LaRoy Reynolds with injury settlement

The New England Patriots returned to an active roster of 89 on Thursday afternoon.

New England released linebacker LaRoy Reynolds with an injury settlement, according to the NFL transaction wire.

Reynolds, 30, had signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract on March 24 after spending the 2020 season with the Atlanta Falcons, with whom he appeared in all 16 games and ranked second in snaps played on special teams.

Originally entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Virginia in 2013, the 6-foot-1, 228-pound Reynolds has also been a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals.

Through 115 NFL contests, Reynolds stands with 117 tackles, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. His career spans 413 snaps on defense and 1,886 snaps in the kicking game, where he projected to compete for a spot as organized team activities graduated to training camp in Foxborough.

Reynolds’ contract with New England included a $25,000 workout bonus and qualified for the veteran-salary benefit. His release would be among three moves announced by the organization on Thursday, along with the previously reported release of fullback Danny Vitale and signing of tight end Troy Fumagalli.

An opening remains on the roster when accounting for safety Patrick Chung’s unprocessed retirement and fullback Jakob Johnson’s exemption as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program.