With the additions of new, cheap players, teams are clearing out some of the older and unwanted parts.
The Patriots released five players Monday, including the previously reported Jeremy Ebert.
Also released were defensive back Malcolm Williams, fullback Tony Fiammetta, tight end Brad Herman and defensive lineman Tracy Robertson.
Fiammetta, a former fourth-round pick, spent last year on the exempt/reserve list. Herman was on IR all last season, while Robertson spent some time on the practice squad.
Of the group, Williams was the one who actually played, bouncing up to the Patriots active roster a few times after a stints on the practice squad, including three playoff appearances.