The New England Patriots released three players today: offensive tackle James Williams, quarterback Kurt Kittner and defensive lineman DeVonte Peterson. The team's training camp roster now consists of 84 players, including those carrying NFL Europe roster exemptions.
Williams, 36, was signed by the Patriots on July 28, 2004. He is a veteran of 12 NFL seasons, playing in 166 games with 143 starts for the Chicago Bears from 1991-2002. The 6-foot-7-inch, 332-pound lineman started at right tackle in 134 consecutive games for the Bears, including every game in his final eight seasons in Chicago. He earned a Pro Bowl nod following the 2001 campaign, a season in which he also earned All-Pro honors from the Associated Press.
Kittner, 24, was signed by the Patriots on July 15, 2004. He is in his third NFL season after spending the first two years of his pro career with the Atlanta Falcons. In 2003, the 6-foot-2-inch, 221-pound quarterback started four games for the Falcons while playing in a total of seven contests. He finished the season completing 44 of 114 passes for 391 yards and two touchdowns. Kittner was selected by the Falcons in the fifth round (158th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft.
Peterson, 26, was signed by the Patriots on June 22, 2004. He was originally signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2001. The 6-foot-2-inch, 275-pound defensive tackle has also spent time with the Indianapolis Colts and played in NFL Europe for the Scottish Claymores in 2002.
