The New England Patriots made several roster moves on Friday, including the release of veteran defensive end Ty Warren.
The Patriots also made the acquisitions of wide receiver Chad Ochocinco and defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth official and in other moves released veteran tight end Alge Crumpler, offensive tackle Nick Kaczur, defensive lineman Marcus Stroud and cornerback Tony Carter.
The team also signed third-round draft pick Ryan Mallett (quarterback) and fifth-round draft pick Marcus Cannon (offensive line). Terms of the contracts were not announced.
Warren’s release came as a bit of a surprise, though with the trade for Haynesworth on Thursday New England has shored up its defensive line.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick held his press conference before the cuts were announced and was vague when asked about the absence of certain players.
“There are a number of players that were on our team last year that aren’t here right now for one reason or another,” Belichick said. “When the rosters have to officially be at a number, then they will be and we’ll make those announcements then, whatever they happen to be, as that relates to any and all players actually.”
Warren was a first-round pick in 2003 and a starter since 2004, but missed all of last season with a hip injury. His release was likely salary cap related as he was scheduled to make $3.1 million in 2011.
Crumpler and Kaczur are also coming back from injuries and play at areas of solid depth for the Patriots. Crumpler was to make $2.4 million and Kaczur $3.4 million.
Ochocinco, meanwhile, was finally able to practice with the team once his deal was made official.
There will be no need for the former Chad Johnson to change his name again as a deal has apparently been reached with Aaron Hernandez, who wore No. 85 last year.
Ochocinco hit the practice field Friday afternoon wearing his familiar number while it appears that Hernandez will wear the No. 81 from his college days at Florida.
As for the rookie signings, Mallett (6-foot-6, 238 pounds) began his college career at Michigan before transferring to Arkansas.
During his college career Mallett appeared in 37 games (11 at Michigan and 26 at Arkansas). He started all 26 contests he appeared in at Arkansas and three at Michigan.
Mallett concluded his college career with 8,385 yards, 69 touchdowns and 24 interceptions, completing 552 of 955 pass attempts.
Cannon (6-foot-5, 358 pounds) appeared in 49 games at Texas Christian, starting the final 36 contests that he appeared in.
Both Mallett and Cannon were able to join the team for Friday’s afternoon practice, though Cannon was limited to conditioning drills.