The New England Patriots released veteran defensive tackle Mike Purcell on Wednesday, just over a month after bringing him on board for additional depth on the defensive line. Purcell, who is 33 years old, was initially signed by the Patriots on August 1st. His release comes as part of the team’s roster adjustments as they finalize their lineup for the upcoming season.
Purcell had a solid stint with the Denver Broncos last season, starting in 10 of the 16 games he played. During that time, he accumulated 25 tackles, registered five quarterback hits, and secured one fumble recovery. His performance in Denver added to a respectable career record in the NFL, which includes eight seasons of play with the San Francisco 49ers and the Broncos. Over his career, Purcell has compiled a total of 208 tackles, including 3.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. He has also been credited with three fumble recoveries across 90 games, in which he started 45.
Undrafted out of the University of Wyoming, Purcell initially entered the league through various practice squads from 2013 to 2018, including two separate tenures with the Patriots in 2017. Despite his undrafted status, Purcell has demonstrated resilience and skill throughout his career, carving out a notable role in the NFL.
The decision to release Purcell highlights the Patriots’ ongoing efforts to refine their roster as they prepare for the new season. The move comes as teams frequently adjust their lineups to better meet their strategic needs and to ensure that they have the right mix of players for a successful campaign.
