The Patriots will release safety Steve Gregory on Friday, his agent, David Canter, wrote on Twitter.
Gregory signed a three-year deal worth a little more than $7 million as a free agent in 2013 and the Patriots will save $2.25 million on the cap in 2014 with the release. The 31-year-old started 23 games for New England during his two seasons and had 90 tackles and a sack last season.
Safety was already considered a position of need for the Patriots before this move so perhaps the urgency to add one in the draft or through free agency has increased. Devin McCourty is entrenched on one side while second-year man Duron Harmon will look to build on a decent rookie season and add some responsibilities to his role. Otherwise there isn't much depth at the position with special teamers Tavon Wilson and Nate Ebner also on the roster.
