FOXBORO -- The Patriots announced six transactions late on Thursday afternoon, including the release of third-string quarterback Garrett Gilbert. The team also announced that Tim Wright was let go, which had been reported earlier in the day, as well as undrafted rookie receiver Zach D'Orazio.
Filling those three open spots on the Patriots roster will be three undrafted rookies, including Bowling Green linebacker DJ Lynch, Kansas tight end Jimmay Mundine and LSU tight end Logan Stokes.
Gilbert's release came as somewhat of a surprise given that Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels spoke about him at length following Thursday's OTA session, during which Gilbert took every snap in an 11-on-11 period at the end of the practice.
"He didn’t have the experience last year of going through this with us so this is kind of his first opportunity to do it which he’s learning a tremendous amount every day," McDaniels said. "He got a lot of snaps today. The mistakes he makes, we hope to use as a positive thing to get better from and the things he’s doing well we hope he’ll continue to do well.
"There’s a long way to go. We’re not worried about September yet. We got a lot of things to accomplish still in June and then we’re gonna take it one step at a time. Training camp is a long way away. A lot of time for him to learn and study and do the things he needs to do to get better and a lot of time for us to coach him."
Gilbert's release made more sense once it was discovered that the Patriots had signed free agent veteran quarterback Matt Flynn, who will give the team some experienced depth at the position as Tom Brady awaits his June 23 appeal of a four-game suspension.
Gilbert was signed to the Patriots practice squad on Dec. 17 of last year and remained with the team through its run to Super Bowl XLIX. He originally entered the league as a sixth-round draft pick of the Rams last year.
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What do the Patriots have in their newly-signed undrafted free agents?
Lynch is a 6-foot, 252 pounder who racked up 230 total tackles in 48 games in college. Mundine measures in at 6-2, 240 pounds and he set the Kansas single-season record for tight end receiving yards (584) last season when he started all 12 games. Stokes transferred to LSU in 2013 after playing two seasons at Northeast Mississippi Community College. He used his 6-5, 255-pound frame primarily as a blocking tight end for the Tigers, with his one reception last season going for a three-yard touchdown.
Mundine and Stokes join a tight end group that is now up to nine players. It includes Rob Gronkowski, Scott Chandler, Michael Hoomanawanui, Fred Davis and rookie sixth-rounder AJ Derby. Fullback James Develin and defensive end Jake Bequette have also been working with the tight ends during OTAs.