Overview
- The Patriots released Otis Reese on Friday, removing him from the 90‑man roster during training camp and freeing one roster spot.
- Reese was on a one‑year futures deal with no guaranteed money worth about $1.075 million, so his release carries no immediate salary‑cap consequence and New England remains roughly $33.7 million under the cap.
- The move reduces New England’s off‑ball linebacker group to eight players and gives remaining backups more practice reps as the team sorts depth behind starters Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss.
- Reese entered the NFL as an undrafted player from Ole Miss, spent time with the Tennessee Titans and Buffalo Bills, appeared in 20 NFL games with five starts, and was valued by teammates for his scout‑team and special‑teams work.
- Reese is available on the market for teams seeking veteran linebacker or special‑teams help, and the Patriots could use the open spot to add a player from free agency or bring in additional camp tryouts.