The Patriots’ modus operandi on cut-down day has been to make at least one surprising move, and this year was no exception, with the unexpected maneuvering coming yesterday at tight end.
The club traded David Thomas to the Saints for a 2011 seventh-round draft choice, acquired Michael Matthews from the Giants for an undisclosed draft choice, and released Alex Smith, whom the team had high hopes for after trading a 2010 fifth-round draft choice to acquire him earlier this offseason.
In another grabber, the team placed second-year linebacker Shawn Crable on season-ending injured reserve. Crable, a 2008 third-round draft choice who has yet to play in a regular-season game, hurt his groin in the second exhibition game.
The team released nine players in addition to Smith, a group highlighted by 2006 fifth-round draft choice Ryan O’Callaghan, a physical right tackle who played in 26 games with seven starts.
Defensive lineman Titus Adams, offensive lineman Wesley Britt, cornerback Herana-Daze Jones, linebacker Paris Lenon, cornerback Jamar Love, receiver Terrence Nunn, defensive lineman Darryl Richard and safety/receiver Ray Ventrone were the others released.
Also, running back Chris Taylor (shoulder) and offensive lineman George Bussey (knee) were placed on injured reserve to get the team to the 53-man limit.
The tight end moves highlighted the roster-shaping.
A three-year veteran, Matthews (6-4, 270) is considered more of a blocking tight end, so he’ll give the Patriots more beef at the line of scrimmage. He’s been on the team’s radar for a few years, almost signing with New England as a rookie free agent in 2007 out of Georgia Tech.
Matthews, 25, has played in every regular-season game over the last two seasons (11 starts), totaling eight receptions for 54 yards. He was battling for the third spot on the Giants’ depth chart behind Kevin Boss and Travis Beckum, with New York electing to keep Darcy Johnson - who is more of a pass-catcher than blocker - instead.
Although the Patriots did not disclose terms of the trade, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Patriots will send a conditional 2011 draft choice to the Giants.
The Patriots’ trade of Thomas comes after the 2006 third-round draft choice re-emerged this preseason. Thomas had been lining up as a lead blocker in two-back sets - filling the void created when fullback Heath Evans signed with the Saints as a free agent - and had appeared to regain some explosion after back-to-back years with a foot injury.
On the surface, it appears the Patriots wanted to bulk up at tight end, as Thomas (6-3, 248) and Smith (6-4, 258) are not powerful on-the-line blockers.
As for Smith, the Patriots have nothing to show for the fifth-round choice they used to acquire him from the Buccaneers. Smith never seemed comfortable in the Patriots’ scheme, unable to play at full speed because he was thinking too much. His $1.5 million salary might also have been part of the consideration.
After yesterday’s moves, a look at how the roster breaks down:
Quarterback (2): Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer
Running back (5): Kevin Faulk, Fred Taylor, Laurence Maroney, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Sammy Morris
Tight end (3): Chris Baker, Benjamin Watson, Michael Matthews
Receiver (6): Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Joey Galloway, Greg Lewis, Julian Edelman, Sam Aiken
Offensive line (9): Matt Light, Logan Mankins, Dan Koppen, Stephen Neal, Nick Kaczur, Sebastian Vollmer, Rich Ohrnberger, Ryan Wendell, Dan Connolly
Defensive line (7): Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Richard Seymour, Jarvis Green, Ron Brace, Myron Pryor, Mike Wright
Hybrid defensive end/linebacker (2): Derrick Burgess, Tully Banta-Cain
Linebacker (6) Jerod Mayo, Adalius Thomas, Gary Guyton, Pierre Woods, Eric Alexander, Rob Ninkovich
Cornerback (5): Shawn Springs, Leigh Bodden, Jonathan Wilhite, Darius Butler, Terrence Wheatley
Safety (5): Brandon Meriweather, James Sanders, Pat Chung, Brandon McGowan, Matthew Slater
Specialists (3): Stephen Gostkowski (K), Chris Hanson (P), Jake Ingram (LS)
