The New England Patriots announced the signing of first-round draft choice Malcom Brown and the release of TE Fred Davis.
Brown, a defensive tackle from the University of Texas, was selected in this year's draft to bolster a pass rush that lost talented veteran Vince Wilfork in the offseason. Brown was a consensus first-team Big 12 and All-American selection during his final season at Texas.
Davis, signed on May 11, was hoping to make a comeback with the Patriots after serving a season-long suspension in 2014. Davis was suspended for violating the substance-abuse policy and claimed his failed test came as a result of a banned substance being found in a supplement.
The release of Davis leaves the Patriots with Rob Gronkowski, Scott Chandler, Michael Hoomanawanui, Jimmay Mundine, AJ Derby and Jake Bequette at tight end. The team also released TEs Tim Wright and Logan Stokes this week.
