NFL teams have begun conducting roster maintenance before next month’s free agency, which includes releasing veterans who no longer fit into the team’s plans.
The New England Patriots are beginning a new era under head coach Jerod Mayo, and on Monday released a pair of veteran defensive players.
In moves designed to free up cap space, the Patriots let go of defensive tackle Lawrence Guy and safety Adrian Phillips, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
“New England is doing right by Guy — a two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee — to let him go early. He should have a strong market,” Pelissero wrote. “The #Patriots are also releasing veteran safety Adrian Phillips, per source. So two veterans on defense gone as New England gets younger in the post-Bill Belichick era.”
Guy, who turns 34 in March, spent the last seven seasons in New England, helping the team reach two Super Bowls. Durable, he missed only five games in seven years, registering 379 tackles, 10.5 sacks and four fumble recoveries in 110 contests.
As for Phillips, who turns 32 next month, the former Los Angeles Chargers All-Pro was a full-time starter during his first three seasons with the Patriots before working predominantly as a backup and on special teams in 2023.
In 67 games over four seasons in New England, Phillips logged 284 tackles, six interceptions and 16 passes defensed.