Patriots Cut Eight, Roster is Down to 72 Players
Following up an earlier post, the Patriots reportedly released eight players on Friday, including RB Richard Medlin, OL Jonathan Compas, TE Carson Butler, DE Darryl Richard, WR Buddy Farnham, LB Ricky Brown, OT Corey Woods, and OL Mike Berry.
The Patriots' roster now stands at 72 players.
As noted earlier Medlin had a tough night in his final appearance with New England, and like many of the names we saw today was somewhat of a longshot to make the team. Richard actually played fairly well, and of the guys let go is probably the most likely to get picked up somewhere and potentially make an impact.
Butler gets the honorable mention as being the guy who along with wide receiver Deion Branch, was the only other player without a reception this preseason.
Belichick called this week's cutdowns the "worst part of the job" during his conference call on Friday.
"Guys work hard, they give you everything they've got, go out and compete, but not everyone can make it," said Belichick. "It’s always a tough time of year for myself and the other position coaches as well. Those guys have spent a lot of time with those guys in meetings, watching film, in practice in smaller groups, and they've developed a good working relationship with those players. It's hard to see it end.
"Unfortunately, we all understand that’s part of the process, part of the business. That doesn't make it easier. I wouldn't say you get used to it, but it's something you have to deal with every year. It never gets easier. It affects lives, families, and careers. You try to do what's best for your team, but it can be tough...it is tough."
They still have to get down to 53 tomorrow, and if the last few days are any indication, it should end up being an interesting day.
