Pats Release LB Appleby, Sign OL Ohrnberger

In a move swapping linebacker for lineman, the New England Patriots discarded rookie linebacker Antonio Appleby yesterday, also taking the opportunity to sign rookie offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger to the team’s lineup in the meantime. While official details have yet to be released, scout.com reported that Ohrnberger, a former Penn State standout and the Patriots’ fourth round selection (123rd overall) in this year’s draft, signed a four-year, $2.2 million deal in this recent transaction, also scoring $451,000 as a signing bonus. Ohrnberger is the first rookie from this year’s draft to make the Patriots’ final roster.

Linebacker Antonio Appleby endured the opposite of Rich Ohrnberger yesterday, as the rookie was cut from the team after signing as an undrafted rookie free agent this spring. Appleby, a former star at Virginia, was one of 12 linebackers vying for a spot on New England’s roster and was largely considered a long shot to make the team’s roster. His departure leaves 11 to compete for the linebacker position, not counting the injured Tyrone McKenzie, a rookie out of South Florida who will miss this season as he recovers from a torn ACL.

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