Patriots announced on Tuesday that they've released undrafted rookie defensive back Eric Patterson.
Patterson was signed out of Ball State on May 8 and for most of OTAs joined a group of rookie defensive backs that included seventh-round pick Darryl Roberts and fellow undrafted players Jimmy Jean and Brandon King.
The 5-foot-10, 193-pounder played four years at Ball State and recorded 135 tackles and six interceptions. Patterson may have been the focus of some interest from the Patriots for his ability to play special teams as well. He was named to the 2014 All-Mid-American Conference First Team as a kick returner, taking back 23 kickoffs for 590 yards.