Patriots Release OL R.J. Mattes

The New England Patriots announced that they have released OL R.J. Mattes Wednesday.

Mattes, a North Carolina State product, was originally signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2013.  He was released weeks later, only to be re-signed and released again, before finally landing on the practice squad in December.

Mattes was likely a casualty in part because the Patriots drafted three offensive lineman this year: C Bryan Stork, OT Cameron Fleming and G Jon Halapio.  The starting line should remain intact as well, so there were precious few roster spots for Mattes.