By Tom E. Curran
CSNNE.com Patriots InsiderFollow @tomecurranThe shedding of Brandon Tate makes a lot more sense than the release of the other Brandon. Tate's kick-return production dropped precipitously last season despite taking two back for touchdowns. After Randy Moss was traded, Tate didn't really rise to the occasion as his replacement. This preseason, Tate's been underwhelming both on kickoffs and in the regular offense. Taylor Price and perhaps even Matt Slater have outdistanced him as wide receiver options. Drafted in the third round of the 2009 draft after missing his final season at North Carolina with a torn ACL, Tate tore his other ACL in his first game with the Patriots. In 10 starts last year, Tate caught 24 passes for 432 yards and three touchdowns. He doesn't figure to be out of work long, but he just wasn't a fit here.
Tom E. Curran can be reached at tcurran@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Tom on Twitter at http:twitter.comtomecurran