FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced that they have claimed guard Harland Gunn off waivers from the Atlanta Falcons. In addition, the Patriots released offensive lineman Kevin Hughes and rookie free agent defensive lineman Vince Taylor.
Gunn, 25, is a veteran of three NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons (2012-14). The 6-foot-2, 310-pounder, was released by Atlanta on Aug. 1, 2015. He originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent out of Miami by the Dallas Cowboys in 2012. After being released by Dallas at the end of training camp, Gunn began his rookie season on the New Orleans Saints' practice squad. He was signed to the Atlanta Falcons 53-man roster from the Saints' practice squad on Nov. 20, 2012, but was inactive for the final six games of the season and both postseason games. Over the last two seasons with the Falcons, Gunn has played in 13 games with one start.
Hughes, 26, was signed by the Patriots as a free agent on May 11, 2015. The 6-foot-4, 315-pounder, originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the St. Louis Rams on July 29, 2011, out of Southeastern Louisiana. He began his rookie season on the Rams' practice squad before being signed to the 53-man roster on Nov. 19, 2011. Hughes played in three games that season as a reserve on the offensive line. He was released by St. Louis on Aug. 27, 2012, before being signed to the San Diego practice squad on Nov. 21, 2012. He then signed with Green Bay on Feb. 1, 2013, but was released on Aug. 31, 2013. Hughes signed with Carolina on Feb. 4, 2015 but was released on March 10, 2015.
Taylor, 23, was signed by the Patriots on May 8, 2015 as a rookie free agent out of Vanderbilt. The 6-foot-2, 305-pounder, played in 49 games with 12 starts at Vanderbilt and finished with 87 total tackles, 1½ sacks and three fumble recoveries.
