Anthony Johnson Released by Patriots: Latest Comments and Reaction

The New England Patriots released defensive tackle Anthony Johnson on Monday and signed John Hughes in his place.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, during an appearance on WEEI, confirmed the roster moves, via Ryan Hannable of WEEI.

NFL Media's Ian Rapoport first reported Johnson's release, while ESPN.com's Field Yates first reported Hughes' signing.

Johnson has appeared in two games this year, registering four combined tackles.

Offloading the 23-year-old freed up a roster spot for New England should it want to add another quarterback before Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Tom Brady is serving the final game of his four-game Deflategate suspension, and both Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett are dealing with injuries.

Hughes played every game for the Cleveland Browns in 2015, picking up 24 combined tackles and 1.5 sacks. The Browns cut the 28-year-old on Sept. 20.

ESPN.com's Mike Reiss tweeted the Browns had thought enough of Hughes to offer him an extension not too long ago:

Johnson was an expendable member of the defensive line. He was inactive for the Week 2 victory over the Miami Dolphins, and Pro Football Focus has given him a 65.1 overall grade during his limited time on the field this year.

MassLive's Kevin Duffy noted Johnson would be eligible for New England's practice squad, so the Patriots could potentially keep him if he doesn't sign elsewhere. That would provide the Patriots a little insurance in the event the Hughes signing doesn't pan out.