Patriots Release OL Josh Kline After Deal With Eagles Falls Through

The New England Patriots released offensive lineman Josh Kline early Wednesday after his name was removed from trade discussions Tuesday.

Patriots Release OL Josh Kline After Deal With Eagles Falls Through

Kline, 26, was reportedly attached to a trade for Eagles defensive back Eric Rowe, but Philadelphia pulled the plug on his involvement after a subsequent trade fell apart, according to two sources.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter even suggested at one point that the Eagles were planning to deal Kline once he became Philadelphia’s property.

Kline has been with the Patriots for three seasons and started 13 games for New England a year ago at both left and right guard.

The Pats still acquired Rowe from the Eagles, however. According to one source, New England gave up a conditional fourth-round pick. The fourth-rounder can potentially become a third-round pick if Rowe reaches non-specified playing-time conditions.

With the release of Kline, the Patriots have kept within the 53-man roster limit.

Kline signed a two-year contract extension in November that included a $750,000 signing bonus before he was set to become a restricted free agent.

It has become quite difficult to keep track of the Pats’ offensive line at this point. The team already cut center Bryan Stork and appears to be playing around with nearly every position up front except for left and right tackle. Coach Bill Belichick has cross-trained and even substituted offensive linemen before, so perhaps all this roster tinkering really isn’t a very big deal.

As for Kline, he should find a new team soon. The demand for starting-caliber interior offensive linemen remains high this time of year, and now Kline can weigh multiple different offers and opportunities before choosing his next team.

FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 18: Josh Kline #67 of the New England Patriots reacts against the Indianapolis Colts of the 2015 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)