New England Patriots

Veteran defensive back Aqib Talib agreed to a one-year, $5 million to remain with the Patriots for the upcoming season, sources told CBSSports.com NFL Insider Jason La Canfora on Saturday. New England obtained Talib from Tampa Bay last November and finished with 19 tackles and an interception in six games.

The Patriots placed defensive back Josh Barrett on season-ending injured reserve Monday, the latest injury in the 27-year-old's career. He has also dealt with a shoulder injury after being selected by Denver in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower was officially ruled active for the Week 16 game at Jacksonville Sunday despite dealing with hamstring and shoulder issues. Hightower was limited in practice throughout the week with the injury and was labeled as questionable on Friday.

The Patriots released receiver Anthony Gonzalez on Tuesday. He was signed by the Patriots as an unrestricted free agent from Indianapolis on March 17.

ESPN reports the Patriots have signed receiver Lavelle Hawkins to a two-year deal.

The Boston Herald reports that Patriots tight end Jake Ballard is gradually making progress. Ballard is finally ready to hit the field, but the team is going to take it slow with him when the offseason program begins Monday. Ballard tore his ACL in the Giants’ victory against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, and he is recovering nicely. But without the need to get overly aggressive, the Pats are taking the cautious approach.

Knee - Questionable for start of training camp

Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski booted two field goals and one extra point during New England's 28-13 loss to Baltimore in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday. Gostkowski drilled kicks from 31 and 25 yards -- both in the first half -- for his fourth straight perfect outing with multiple field goals. The lone extra point represented just the second occasion this season he failed to finish with more than one extra point.

After missing the previous game due to knee and ankle issues, Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes has been ruled active for Week 17 against the Dolphins.

After reports surfaced of a possible split earlier this week, the Patriots officially released veteran wide receiver Brandon Lloyd on Saturday, the team announced. Lloyd had 74 receptions for 911 yards and four touchdowns last season for New England while adding 12 catches for 102 yards and a score in two playoff games. The 31-year-old joined the Patriots as a free agent last March, his third organization in the past two seasons.

Patriots DL Shaun Ellis brielfy left during Week 5 against the Jets with a knee injury, but was able to return and finish out the contest. Ellis, who was limited in practice last week with his injury, only had one tackle in the 30-21 victory.

Rob Gronkowski had successful surgery on his left forearm Monday and doctors found no infection inside according to multiple reports. He had a new plate installed in his arm to keep things in place inside his forearm and should be done having surgery there. A consultation on his back is expected within the next three to four weeks with surgery to potentially follow.

Forearm, back - Questionable for start of training camp

The Boston Globe reports multiple teams have called the Patriots about a trade for quarterback Ryan Mallett. Three league sources said the odds are "slightly stronger" that Mallett is traded rather than kept. It is believed the Pats would take a second-round pick this year or a first-round pick next year for Mallett. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports the Browns are not interested in picking up Mallett.

Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard has been sentenced to two years of probation and 30 days of jail for assaulting a police officer in Lincoln, Neb., last year. A jury in February found Dennard guilty of the felony charge and a misdemeanor count of resisting arrest. The former Nebraska player was acquitted of third-degree assault against another man.

Stevan Ridley told the Boston Herald he's had no lingering effects stemming from the concussion he suffered in the AFC title game last January. "I thank the Lord that I'm healthy and brought me back," Ridley said. "All I can do now is move forward from that, but it was a nice hit that I took. Just got to shake it off. Comes with the game. ... I'll be out here this year ready to go."

The Patriots spent the majority of the 2012 NFL Draft focused on improving 2011's league-worst defense, using six of their seven picks over the weekend on defensive players. The Patriots traded up twice in the first round to select defensive end Chandler Jones of Syracuse at No. 21, and linebacker Dont'a Hightower of Alabama at No. 25. The Patriots also spent both of their second-day picks on defense, selecting safety Tavon Wilson of Illinois in the second round, at No. 48, as well as defensive end Jake Bequette of Arkansas in Round 3, at No. 90. Ohio State safety Nate Ebner and Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard were late-round choices.

The Boston Globe reports that Patriots rookie receiver Josh Boyce was taking part in OTA workouts Tuesday. Boyce, a fourth-round draft choice out of Texas Christian, was back after missing the rookie-only minicamp for recovery from a previously broken bone in his foot, which is believed to have been injured prior to the combine.

The Patriots re-signed linebacker Niko Koutouvides Wednesday. He played in 14 games last year.

Aside from veteran receiver Deion Branch and long-time backup Brian Hoyer, the Patriots released the following players on Friday: safety Sergio Brown, receiver Jeremy Ebert, defensive lineman Marcus Harrison, receiver Jesse Holley, safety James Ihedigbo, fullback Eric Kettani, center Dan Koppen, linebacker Niko Koutouvides, defensive lineman Aaron Lavarias, safety Derrick Martin, tight end Alex Silvestro, linebacker Jeff Tarpinian, receiver Kerry Taylor, tight end Tyler Urban and safety Malcolm Williams.

The Patriots released WR Jeremy Ebert, FB Tony Fiammetta, TE Brad Herman, DL Tracy Robertson and DB Malcolm Williams.

ESPN reports that Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty is working his way back from offseason back surgery. At this point it is unknown which shoulder McCourty had the surgery performed, though he played with a separated right shoulder in 2011. He should be ready by training camp, according to the report.

Back - Questionable for start of training camp

The Boston Globe cites sources who say Patriots receiver Julian Edelman is back in a walking boot after re-injuring his right foot. He could be ready for a mid-June minicamp but would work in a limited capacity.

Foot - Questionable for start of training camp

Unable to find a suitable trade partner, the Eagles released quarterback Mike Kafka on Friday. Kafka, who dealt with a hand injury during the preseason, was replaced as Philadelphia's No. 3 quarterback by Trent Edwards. Kafka appeared in four games for the Eagles last season.

The Boston Globe reports running back Brandon Bolden was absent from OTA practice Tuesday after spraining his ankle while training. He's expected to return in late May/early June.

Ankle - Probable for start of training camp

Leon Washington has signed with the Patriots, the team announced Thursday. The 30-year-old is expected to work on special teams with some limited contributions on offense.

The Patriots placed defensive back Will Allen and running back Spencer Larsen on season-ending injured reserve Monday in order to reach the latest NFL roster requirements.

The Patriots released WR Jeremy Ebert, FB Tony Fiammetta, TE Brad Herman, DL Tracy Robertson and DB Malcolm Williams.

The Patriots announced Wednesday that they have released running back Joseph Addai. He was signed this offseason to provide depth behind Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, but Addai struggled during offseason workouts.

New England released DL Eric Moore on Tuesday after adding him to the roster earlier this month. Moore was signed on Dec. 10 and appeared in the Patriots' past two games.

Patriots defensive back Steve Gregory had a career night against the Jets in Week 12. Gregory picked off Mark Sanchez in the first quarter and then recovered two fumbles, including a 32-yard return for a touchdown in the second quarter. He also finished with six tackles (five solo) in a 49-19 victory.

With Rob Gronkowski out with a broken forearm, Patriots tight end Daniel Fells was able to see a few snaps against the Jets in Week 12. Fells caught his lone pass for a 24-yard gain late in the third quarter. He was targeted just twice in a 49-19 victory.

The Patriots released WR Jeremy Ebert, FB Tony Fiammetta, TE Brad Herman, DL Tracy Robertson and DB Malcolm Williams.

Patriots WR Matthew Slater did not see many passes thrown his way in Week 1 against the Dolphins but he made his one catch count. He caught a 46 yards pass from QB Tom Brady in the 38-24 win. Slater was targeted two times.

Washington made some roster cuts on Monday. The Redskins trimmed quarterback Jonathan Crompton, running backs Antwon Bailey and Lennon Creer, linebacker Monte Lewis and receivers Lance Lewis and Sam Kirkland off the roster. Also released were tight end Beau Reliford and cornerback Morgan Trent.

New England wide receiver Deion Branch caught two passes in the Week 16 win at Jacksonville Sunday. Branch went for 12 yards in the game and each catch went for 6 yards. He was targeted three times overall.

Veteran defensive back Adrian Wilson signed a three-year deal with the Patriots on Friday, just his second organization in his 12-year career, the Boston Globe reports. Wilson spent his entire career with the Cardinals before being released in a salary cap move last week.

The Patriots re-signed defensive back Marquice Cole Wednesday. He played in 14 games last year.

New Patriots receiver Michael Jenkins thinks he'll have no problem picking up the team's offense. The scheme is considered complicated. "I can’t say why (others) have struggled before. I’m just going to try to do my part in studying, be well-rounded in knowing all the positions within the receiver positions, and fit in where I can," Jenkins told the Boston Herald. "I've always tried to consider myself a quick learner in being able to pick it up so hopefully that continues to happen for me."

The Boston Globe reports the Patriots have released tight end Bo Scaife. The report says Scaife was signed June 7 but was clearly having conditioning problems during the team’s mini-camp; he did not play in a game in 2011.

The Patriots boasted an improved secondary last season and hope to keep the key members of the unit intact. That includes defensive back Kyle Arrington, who agreed to a four-year contract worth $16 million -- $7.5 million guaranteed -- on Friday, the Boston Globe reports.

The Patriots have released defensive lineman Myron Pryor.

Restricted free agent Michael Hoomanawanui signed his tender from the Patriots and will play for them on the one-year deal.

The Patriots elevated wide receiver Kamar Aiken to the active roster from the practice squad Saturday. Aiken was promoted for last Sunday's game at Jacksonville before being released and re-signed to the practice squad.

The Patriots announced Wednesday that they have re-signed linebacker Mike Rivera and defensive back Derrick Martin.

After trading out of the first round on Thursday night, the Patriots used their first of two picks in the second round to select Southern Mississippi linebacker Jamie Collins. Collins, 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, was productive during his four-year career with the Golden Eagles, and he capped it off with a terrific senior season. He posted 92 tackles, 10 sacks and five pass break ups in 2012.

New England DB Nate Jones registered a season-high nine tackles, including six solo stops, during the Patriots' 31-24 victory over Indianapolis in Week 13. Jones finished one tackle shy of the team lead as he posted his highest output since Nov. 8, 2009 while with Miami (11).

Kevin Faulk said Monday that he will formally announce his retirement from football on Tuesday. Faulk played 13 yards in the NFL, all with the Patriots, and racked up 3,607 yards rushing with 3,701 yards receiving. Faulk also totaled 33 touchdowns.

Patriots running back Shane Vereen told ESPN he's been more focused this offseason knowing that a larger role awaits him in training camp now that Danny Woodhead has left for San Diego. "There's a little more focus on my part. There has to be," Vereen said. "[I need to] just be more consistent. More reliable. That comes with practice and that comes with time, so hopefully we'll get there. ... I'm a dual threat, it means I have to know multiple positions. I have to know everything, really. Here, it wasn't always easy coming in. You've got to learn how to learn the system, make sense of it to yourself. I'm more of a visual learner, so I learn a lot by seeing it on the field. [But] I've been to plenty of practices, seen and taken a lot of mental reps as well as physical reps. I don't think it's much of an issue any more."

The Boston Globe reports Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones won't require surgery on either of his injured ankles, according to a team source. Jones hurt his right ankle against the Colts in Week 11 and his left ankle in the Divisional Playoffs vs. the Texans.

Ankles - Probable for start of training camp

ESPN reports LeGarrette Blount has agreed to a pay cut of roughly $1 million following his trade to the Patriots during the NFL draft.

The Patriots released WR Jeremy Ebert, FB Tony Fiammetta, TE Brad Herman, DL Tracy Robertson and DB Malcolm Williams.

The Patriots released wide receiver Kamar Aiken and running back James Develin from the 53-man roster on Monday.

Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork had a productive game in Week 14 against the Texans. He recorded four tackles (three solo) with a sack and a pass defended in the 42-14 win. Wilfork now has two sacks on the year.

Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez had minor arthroscopic shoulder surgery two weeks ago according to the Boston Globe. There's a chance he could be ready for the team's June minicamp but expectations are he should be ready for the start of training camp.

Shoulder - Probable for start of training camp

The Boston Globe reports Patriots linebacker Dane Fletcher cleared waivers Tuesday and was placed on injured reserve. Fletcher suffered a torn ACL during the preseason opener against New Orleans.

ESPN reports that Patriots receiver Donald Jones, who signed as a free agent this offseason from Buffalo, could be fighting for a job in training camp along with fellow free agent signee Michael Jenkins. Both receivers now project to No. 5 or 6 on the depth chart behind Danny Amendola, draft picks Aaron Dobson/Josh Boyce and Julian Edelman. Had the Patriots drafted just one receiver, the odds naturally would have been better for both of them to possibly stick on the roster. Now, assuming good health, there might be just one spot (if any at all).

Patriots defensive back Tavon Wilson totaled three solo tackles and one interception Week 8 at St. Louis. It was his third interception this season.

Patriots defensive lineman Trevor Scott earned his first two sacks in two years Sunday, in a 23-16 win over the Dolphins. He brought Ryan Tannehill down twice in the game, while adding three tackles and a forced fumble.

New England announced Saturday the club re-signed DB Brandon McGowan and LB Tracy White. Terms of the contracts were not disclosed. McGowan, 27, signed with the Patriots in 2009 after four seasons with Chicago (2005-2008). He missed all of 2010 with a chest injury.

Tom Brady lost receiver Wes Welker to the Broncos via free agency on Wednesday, but the Patriots replaced him with Danny Amendola. Amendola is considered a very similar player to Welker -- both are about the same size and even went to the same college (Texas Tech). Amendola also has experience in the Pats' offense as offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels served in the same role with the Rams in 2011, though Amendola had major elbow and triceps injuries that kept him sidelined for 15 games.

The Patriots placed defensive back Ras-I Dowling on season-ending injured reserve Friday due to a nagging thigh injury. It's the second time in his two-year NFL career that he has landed on the list as he managed just two games last season before missing the rest of the year.

The Patriots announced Wednesday that they have re-signed linebacker Mike Rivera and defensive back Derrick Martin. Rivera was waived by the Dolphins earlier in the month.

The Patriots placed defensive back Will Allen and running back Spencer Larsen on season-ending injured reserve Monday in order to reach the latest NFL roster requirements.

The Patriots have drafted cornerback Logan Ryan from Rutgers in the third round of the NFL Draft. The Patriots chose Ryan with the 83rd overall pick that they obtained Thursday night in a trade with the Vikings. The 5-foot-11 Ryan made 94 tackles and intercepted four passes last season.

The media got to check out the Patriots' second day of OTA workouts in New England. The Boston Globe reports new Pats wideout Danny Amendola spent a lot of time with Tom Brady, working primarily in the slot. According to the Patriots' official website Amendola looked sharp, ran his routes well and got in and out of his breaks quickly. He appeared comfortable which shouldn't be surprising given his past work in Josh McDaniels' offense. "It's familiar," Amendola said. "When Josh was in St. Louis, I got to know it pretty good. It's a little more intricate out here. It's something to grasp. I'm learning every day. It's the verbiage. That's the most important thing, the vocabulary of the offense. I'm learning, day in and day out, studying at night."

The Patriots spent the majority of the 2012 NFL Draft focused on improving 2011's league-worst defense, using six of their seven picks over the weekend on defensive players. The Patriots traded up twice in the first round to select defensive end Chandler Jones of Syracuse at No. 21, and linebacker Dont'a Hightower of Alabama at No. 25. The Patriots also spent both of their second-day picks on defense, selecting safety Tavon Wilson of Illinois in the second round, at No. 48, as well as defensive end Jake Bequette of Arkansas in Round 3, at No. 90. Ohio State safety Nate Ebner and Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard were late-round choices.

The Patriots signed rookie defensive lineman Marcus Forston to the 53-man roster from the practice squad Saturday.

Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo has been ruled active for Week 17 against the Dolphins. He was limited in practice leading up to Sunday due to a lingering elbow injury.

The Boston Globe reports that NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell "is a big fan" of Patriots rookie receiver Aaron Dobson, who was drafted in the second round out of Marshall. “This is going to sound crazy, but I thought that his size/hand combination, at times, reminded me of Larry Fitzgerald,” Cosell said. “He’s not Larry Fitzgerald, obviously, but he’s a big kid who can move very well with really good hands.”

Hoping to fortify their interior defensive line alongside perennial Pro Bowl tackle Vince Wilfork, the Patriots have agreed to terms on a two-year deal with former Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, NFL.com reported. Kelly, a nine-year veteran, was waived by the Raiders in late-March in a cost-cutting move. The former Mississippi State lineman was set to carry a cap hit of $6.5 million for the 2013 season before his release. After recording 14.5 sacks from 2010 to 2011, Kelly's sack total dipped to 1.0 last season. Prior to the subpar year in 2012, Kelly had a pair of stellar seasons in Oakland. Kelly, who was used at defensive end early in his career, is a versatile lineman that can be utilized in several different positions along a front four. Before a 2005 meeting with the Raiders, Bill Belichick compared Kelly favorably with Howie Long.

The Patriots placed wide receiver Donte' Stallworth on injured reserved Tuesday. He sustained an ankle injury during Week 14 against the Texans, a game in which he caught a 63-yard touchdown pass.

New England defensive lineman Jermaine Cunningham returned to practice this week after being reinstated from a four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Cunningham was suspended Nov. 26.

Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich had a productive game in Week 14 against the Texans. He finished with five tackles (two solo) and half a sack in the 42-14 win. Ninkovich now has 6.5 sacks on the year, matching his career high.

The Browns have cut defensive end Marcus Benard Monday. Benard played well at times this preseason, but a dislocated elbow suffered last Friday against Philadelphia precipitated this move.