The New England Patriots made a pair of roster moves today. First they signed a second Gronkowski, when they inked TE Dan Gronkowski, the brother of Rob, who was let go by Denver this past weekend.
The Detroit Lions, originally drafted Gronkowski, in 2009 in the 7th round out of Maryland, before being traded prior to last season to the Denver Broncos. In 2009 with Detroit he spent most of the season on the practice squad before being elevated to the 53-man roster only to be waived and re-signed to the practice squad. The Lions then signed him to future reserve contract after the season and last year in training camp traded him to Denver for Tom Brady’s “friend” CB Alphonso Smith.
Known as more of a blocking tight end he has 9 career catches for 69 yards and no TD’s.
The Gronkowski’s have a third brother Chris who plays in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts as a running back.
In order to make room for Gronkowski on the roster the Patriots released CB Darius Butler. New England drafted Butler, who played his college ball at UConn, in 2009 in the 2nd round, 41st overall.
Butler in his time at UConn he started 43 of 45 games, recording 180 tackles, and 10 INT’s, two of which were returned for TD’s. He was All-Big East 1st Team in 2008.
He became the first player in Big East history to produce a touchdown on a kickoff return, interception, reception and rushing attempt.
With New England he had 58 tackles and three INT’s and 14 pass deflections in two seasons.
Butler said, “It was best for both parties. I’m not surprised by it. Things weren’t working out with me and the team.” He went on to add that “I’m ready for a fresh start, a fresh place, a fresh everything. I thank Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick for giving me (the) opportunity.”
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