New England Patriots helmet shown on bench.New England Patriots helmet (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The New England Patriots have released another veteran player following the 2024 NFL Draft as they continue the drastic youth movement.

On Monday, the New England Patriots announced that veteran offensive lineman Conor McDermott has been released. The 31-year-old spent the last two seasons on New England’s roster, his second stint with the organization.

Coming off a thrilling victory in Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons, the Patriots drafted McDermott in the sixth round (211th overall) in 2017. The UCLA product was let go as part of final roster cuts and ultimately picked up by the Buffalo Bills.

McDermott made eight game appearances over his two seasons in Buffalo before being waived early in the 2019 season. The New York Jets subsequently claimed McDermott off waivers, keeping him in the AFC East.

Also Read: REPORT: New England Patriots Rejected Two Massive Offers For 3rd Overall Pick Before Selecting Drake Maye

He played in 35 games (six starts) over his four seasons with the Jets, including a career-high 15 game appearances in the 2020 season. After being waived and signed back to New York’s practice squad in 2022, McDermott returned to the Patriots and made six starts at tackle.

New England Patriots Offense Will Look A Lot Different In 2024

The Patriots’ first big move of the offseason was parting ways with legendary head coach Bill Belichick after 24 years together. Jerod Mayo was promoted to the HC position, with Eliot Wolf acting as the de facto GM.

New England signed running back Antonio Gibson, wide receiver KJ Osborne and veteran QB Jacoby Brissett as part of the roster shakeup. Mac Jones, the starting quarterback of the last three years, was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a late-round pick. Tight end Mike Gesicki also walked in free agency and signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Pats used the No. 3 pick on quarterback Drake Maye before snagging wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk in the second round. Indeed, this offensive unit looks awfully different in year one of the post-Belichick era.