The first three days of the New England Patriots' 2011 training camp are in the books, but we've already seen an entire offseason's worth of signings and cuts. In case you haven't seen, here are some highlights from the first three days.
Patriots Acquire Trade For Chad Ochocinco, Albert Haynesworth: Instead of sitting back and settling in with the players he had, Bill Belichick went out and got the players he wanted - namely Ochocinco and Haynesworth. Both players were acquired on Thursday, with Ochocinco costing the Patriots two future draft picks, which the team lists as undisclosed draft consideration. As for Haynesworth, he was traded for a fifth-round pick in 2013. Haynesworth passed his physical on Friday, making the deal official. Ochocinco was at practice at Gillette Stadium on Friday.
Ty Warren, Tully Banta-Cain Highlight Group Of Waived Veterans: As made evident with his two big-time acquisitions on Thursday, Bill Belichick wasn't happy with the status quo. Belichick and company released defensive end Ty Warren and defensive tackle Tully Banta-Cain after both had suffered with injuries the season before. In addition, the Patriots released Nick Kaczur, Marcus Stroud, Alge Crumpler, Tony Carter and Ryan Coulson on Friday.
Logan Mankins Signs One-Year Franchise Tender Worth $10 Million: Logan Mankins won't hold out this year, as the veteran offensive lineman happily accepted the check for $10 million that resulted from the Pats placing the franchise tag on him. As a result of the new CBA, Mankins can not be slapped with the franchise tag again, as all players can only be franchised once.
Patriots Sign Ryan Mallett, Five Other 2011 Draft Picks: Ryan Mallett and Marcus Cannon inked their first NFL contracts on Friday, as the Pats signed them to rookie contracts. In addition, the Pats have signed running back Stevan Ridley, Lee Smith, Markell Carter and Malcolm Williams - all of whom were drafted by New England in 2011. In addition, wideout Tyree Barnes and running back Eric Kettani were reinstated from the military reserve list.
Twelve Undrafted Rookie Free Agents Sign With Patriots: The Pats signed 12 undrafted rookie free agents to contracts over the three-day period, adding the following players: offensive lineman Mike Berry (Auburn), linebacker and long snapper Ryan Coulson (Nevada - released on Friday), offensive lineman Kyle Hix (Texas), kicker Chris Koepplin (Massachusetts), defensive end Aaron Lavarias (Idaho), linebacker Anthony Leonard (West Virginia), defensive end Clay Nurse (Illinois), wide receiver Jeremy Ross (California), defensive end Alex Silvestro (Rutgers), linebacker Jeff Tarpinian (Iowa), offensive lineman Corey Woods (Akron) and tight end Will Yeatman (Maryland).
Bill Belichick Speaks To Media For First Time Post-Lockout: Bill Belichick has never been a man of many words (of many kind words towards reporters, rather), but he did talk to the press for the first time post-lockout on the second day of Patriots training camp. Read the transcript of Thursday's press conference here at Patriots.com. Belichick also spoke to the media on Friday, and that can be read by clicking here.
Information for this report was compiled from Patriots.com. For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.