BY DAN BEGNOCHE
In less than 24 hours, there could be a number of additions to the New England Patriots' squad via free agent contracts. On Monday, the team made some room for the potential newcomers.
Seven players were cut from the Pats' roster ahead of the official start of the free agency period Tuesday, a mix of practice squad participants and designations to Injured Reserve during the 2013 season. All were initially undrafted free agent signings from last spring.
The list of those that received pink slips includes running backs Sam McGuffie and Quentin Hines, offensive tackles Elvis Fisher and Brice Schwab, defensive tackle Cory Grissom, wide receiver T.J. Moe and linebacker Taylor Reed.
On the other side of the spectrum, NESN.com reported that one of the team's prime free agent targets, wide receiver Julian Edelman, worked out with quarterback Tom Brady for potentially the last time Monday in California. New England is reportedly putting forth a "strong push" to retain Edelman prior to the 4 p.m. start to the season Tuesday, where the 27-year-old is likely to garner plenty of attention.
Edelman hauled in more than 100 catches for 1,056 yards in his fifth season in the league, outshining New England's free agent acquisition Danny Amendola and becoming a favorite target of Brady in the process. The former Kent State star, along with cornerback Aqib Talib, lead the Patriots' in-house list of priorities heading into Tuesday afternoon, a list that also includes running back LeGarrette Blount.
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