New England Patriots: Tim Wright cut, Matt Flynn added

Nov 23, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback

Tom Brady

(12) congratulates tight end

Tim Wright

(81) after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

This week the New England Patriots continued their very active offseason. They released tight end Tim Wright, who came to New England through the Logan Mankins deal, and they also added veteran QB Matt Flynn. In this article I will analyze the moves the Patriots have made and what it means for the team.

1. Releasing TE Tim Wright

After only one year with the New England Patriots, Tim Wright has been released. In this past season Wright was used mostly in red zone situations, as he caught six touchdowns. Otherwise he wasn’t very heavily used and only totaled 259 yards on 26 catches. Wright is a very capable receiving tight end but isn’t very good at blocking. Wright was likely released by the Patriots, because of the large depth the Patriots have at the position. Mike Reiss of ESPN.com Mike Reiss (via Twitter) reported that Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels had only positive things to say about Scott Chandler. Chandler is likely to be the No. 2 tight end on the depth chart.

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The Patriots also seem to really like Michael Hoomanawanui for his blocking capabilities. Those are already three tight ends the Patriots still have options for a fourth one if they want a fourth. They recently signed Fred Davis, who very similar to Wright is mostly a receiving tight end. Former defensive end Jake Bequette is also playing the position in practice and will work hard to try to make the roster. With this slew of tight ends, there simply wasn’t room for Wright as the Patriots already had enough tight ends who were at least as good or better on the roster.

Dec 21, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback

Matt Flynn

(10) works out prior to the game against against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2. Adding QB Matt Flynn

The New England Patriots recently signed quarterback Matt Flynn. On the same day, the Patriots announced they were releasing quarterback Garrett Gilbert, which means that Flynn will most likely be Jimmy Garoppolo‘s back up, until Tom Brady returns from his suspension, if it is upheld. Only a few years ago, Flynn was a hot commodity on the free agent market, as back then he had only had two games under his belt and in both of them, he was outstanding. One of those was against the Patriots, in which he almost lead the Green Bay Packers to a victory in Foxborough. It seems like Belichick might still remember that game as well.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Flynn gets released directly after Brady’s suspension is over, as the Patriots have preferred to carry only two quarterbacks on their roster at most times. This might be due to the fact that Julian Edelman has quarterback experience and could theoretically fill in, if both quarterbacks would get injured during the same game. Either way Flynn will be another arm the Pats will have at camp. This will also give him a opportunity to get some playing time in preseason, and through that audition for other teams.

Next: Patriots projected defensive starters

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