Patriots Release Ty Warren, Alge Crumpler; Sign Ryan Mallett

By KC Downey in Featured, Patriots, Top Story ⋅ July 29, 2011 at 3:29pm ⋅ Post a comment

In yet another bombshell out of Foxboro, the Patriots have released long-time defensive end Ty Warren, who missed all of last season after suffering a labral tear in his hip. They could re-sign him at a lower salary, but still the move to cut him is shocking, considering he was at practice on Thursday.

According to the Boston Herald’s Karen Guregian on Twitter, Warren may not return.

Ty Warren texted me saying the Pats were “going in a different direction defensively.”

Warren also thanked the Kraft family, saying “it was a pleasure” to play for the Pats.

It didn’t sound like Warren was returning at a reduced rate. He was looking forward to “wearing a contending NFL” uniform in the fall

In eight seasons with NE, the former first-rounder compiled 496 total tackles and 20.5 sacks.

The Patriots also let go of Alge Crumpler, who was their primary blocking tight end last season. He also could come back, but with the emergence of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski last season, the Pats can probably find a better alternative in blocking formations.

Also put on the cutting block was Nick Kaczur, which really comes as no surprise given his off-the-field issues. Tully Banta-Cain, Tony Carter, and Marcus Stroud, as previously reported, were also cut.

Joining the Patriots are two more rookies, including QB Ryan Mallett and offensive lineman Marcus Cannon. Earlier in the week, the Pats signed RB Stevan Ridley. The Patriots said terms of the deals were not disclosed.