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Claridge out; PUP list

The Patriots announced that they have released linebacker Ryan Claridge and defensive lineman Kader Drame.

The team also released its physically unable to perform list. Players on the list include: receiver Bam Childress, cornerback Randall Gay, safety Rodney Harrison, receiver Chad Jackson, offensive lineman Nick Kaczur, center Dan Koppen, fullback/running back Patrick Pass, long snapper Lonie Paxton, and defensive linemen Richard Seymour and Johnathan Sullivan.

Players on the PUP list can not participate in practice but can take part in team meetings and rehabilitation work. Once taken off the PUP list, players can begin practicing immediately.

The release of Claridge is a bit of a surprise. A fifth-round draft choice out of UNLV in 2005, he spent all of last season on the injured reserve list (shoulder). He was projected to compete for playing time at both inside and outside linebacker after playing in a 3-4 defense in college. Claridge rehabbed in Las Vegas last year, which essentially made 2006 a rookie year in terms of learning the playbook and being around the team.

Drame, a rookie free agent out of Syracuse, was a longshot to make the roster.

EXTRA POINTS: Rookie David Thomas' contract is a four-year package with a $640,750 signing bonus. The deal includes minimum salaries in each year, and with incentives, the base salary can increase in the final year. ... The team formally announced the signing of linebacker Chad Brown, as well as the re-signings of exclusive rights free agents Gene Mruczkowski and Billy Yates, both of whom are offensive linemen.