Patriots Sign Veteran TE Ben Hartsock; Release 3 Rookies
BOSTON (CBS) -- The New England Patriots made a series of roster moves on Sunday, which included the addition veteran tight end Ben Hartsock.
Hartsock, known more for his blocking, is a 10-year NFL veteran, spending time with the Indianapolis Colts (2004-06), Tennessee Titans (2006-07), Atlanta Falcons (2008), New York Jets (2009-10) and Carolina Panthers (2011-13). The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder was a third-round draft pick (68th overall) by Indianapolis in 2004 out of Ohio State. He has played in 131 NFL games (49 starts) and has 31 receptions for 312 yards and one touchdown.
Last season, Hartsock played in 13 games with two starts for the Panthers but did not have any receptions.
In addition to Hartsock, the Patriots also signed veteran tight end Steve Maneri and rookie free agent tight end Terrence Miller. The 26-year-old Maneri has played in 23 NFL games in his career with six receptions for 52 yards, and spent the 2010 season on the Patriots practice squad and attended Pats camp in 2011. The 22-year-old Miller was originally signed by the New York Jets as a rookie free agent out of Arizona in May but was released in June. Miller finished his college career at Arizona with 95 receptions for 1,117 yards and three touchdowns.
To make room on their roster, the Patriots released a trio of rookie free agents: running back Stephen Houston and tight ends Justin Jones and Asa Watson. All three were considered long shots to make the team.
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