Patriots make their cuts, with some surprises

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Friday, August 31, 2012

John Rooke, GoLocalWorcester Sports Editor

It happens every season. A surprise or two make the New England Patriots' roster...which means, a surprise or two are cut.

According to multiple sources Friday afternoon, the Patriots have released backup quarterback Brian Hoyer and veteran wide receiver Deion Branch.

Hoyer had been considered Tom Brady's primary backup and a potential trade target before the news of his release.

Branch was the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX for the Patriots, before moving to the Seattle Seahawks in a trade for a 2007 first round draft pick. He returned to the Patriots in 2010 as part of a deal that sent the Seahawks a fourth round draft pick. Branch caught 51 passes last season for 702 yards and five touchdowns, and was widely considered to have held onto a roster spot after the team released receivers Jabar Gaffney and Donte Stallworth, both of whom the team had signed in the offseason.

Also released, according to several sources, were center Dan Koppen and safety James Ihedigbo, a UMass graduate.

GoLocalWorcester.com will continue to update Patriots' roster information throughout the day.