The New England Patriots made a handful of roster moves this week. Defensive end Markell Carter was released on Thursday, according to ESPN Boston. A pair of undrafted rookies were also given their walking papers, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. Howe also reports that the team signed veteran tight end Bo Scaife.

Carter was a sixth-round pick in 2011 who spent last season on the practice squad. He will likely find work elsewhere during the offseason, and he has some potential for a team with time and roster space to develop him. Also released were rookie tight end Nick Melillo and offensive tackle Jon Opperud, both undrafted free agents.

Scaife joins a crowded group of tight ends in New England, a group headlined by Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. He has been with the Titans since they drafted him in the sixth round in 2005. He spent last season on injured reserve after injuring his shoulder in the preseason. At 31, Scaife will be limited in what he can contribute. The Patriots signed tight end Daniel Fells to a three-year contract in March.

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