FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots released QB Kevin O'Connell and LS Nathan Hodel today.
O'Connell, 6-5, 230 pounds, was originally a third-round draft pick of the Patriots in 2008 out of San Diego State. He appeared in two games as a reserve last season and completed four-of-six passes for 23 yards. O'Connell was listed as the third quarterback in the 2008 season-opener and was active but did not play in his role as the backup quarterback in 13 games. He saw his first NFL action, entering the game during the fourth quarter vs. Miami (9/21) and also saw action in the Patriots' victory vs. Arizona (12/21).
Hodel, 6-2, 240 pounds, joined the Patriots as a free agent on March 10, 2009. Hodel spent the last seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals after originally joining the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Carolina Panthers in 2001 out of Illinois. He was waived by Carolina prior to the start of his rookie season ad then spent six week on the Panthers' practice squad before being signed to the Arizona 53-man roster.
