Report: New England Patriots cut three defensive veterans

The New England Patriots have reportedly cut defensive veterans Tommy Kelly, James Anderson and Will Smith.

Kelly signed for the Patriots last year from the Oakland Raiders and played five games before he sustained a knee injury that ruled him out for the season.

Linebacker Anderson and defensive end Smith both joined the club in the off-season from the Chicago Bears and the New Orleans Saints respectively, but have failed to make the team as part of the roster cutdown from 90 players to 75, reports ESPN.

The Patriots open their 2014 campaign against the Miami Dolphins on September 7.