The New England Patriots announced this evening the signing of two 2011 draft picks and 12 undrafted rookie free agents as well as a couple of roster moves involving the military reserve list.
Before we get into the signings I forgot to put in an earlier post that the team is going to let DB Tony Carter go later this week. Bill Belichick informed Carter on Tuesday that the team was going to cut him. He was little used in his time with the Patriots.
The team announced the signings of 5th round draft pick TE Lee Smith, who is regarded as possibly the best blocking TE in the last draft. Smith’s contract terms were not released but it’s believed to be a four-year deal. According to a league source Smith did get a signing bonus of just over $171,000.
The Patriots also signed 6th round draft pick LB/DE Markell Carter to a four-year deal with a signing bonus of $94,000.
While they were working on signing a couple of the draft picks they were also busy stock piling undrafted rookie free agents. The team confirmed the signing of 12 UDRFA’s, 10 of which we listed in a post last night. Of the two additional signee’s one has local ties as the Patriots inked former UMass kicker Chris Koepplin along with former University of Idaho Vandal DE Aaron Lavarias.
The Patriots now have 88 players towards the 90-man roster limit. This is counting the unsigned draft picks and their free agents.
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Once again in closing here are the most recent time changes for the public practices on Thursday and Friday from Patriots.com:
Thursday
On field sessions will occur from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Patriots Experience will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Both practices will be unpadded.
Friday
On field sessions will occur from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Patriots Experience will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Both practices will be unpadded.
Don’t forget to stay with Sox & Dawgs through out the free agent frenzy we will update you daily on normal roster moves and as needed on larger free agent signings, restructured contracts and trades.
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