"It was out with the old and in with the new at Gillette Stadium yesterday, as the Patriots released 36-year-old veteran tight end Marcus Pollard and filled his roster spot by signing 23-year-old rookie tight end Tyson DeVree, who returns for a second stint after being released June 11.

Pollard, a veteran of 13 NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts (1995-2004), Detroit Lions (2005-06), and Seattle Seahawks (2007), was signed as a free agent April 23. He was veteran insurance behind Benjamin Watson and David Thomas, who is coming off a season in which he was limited to two games by a broken foot.

Pollard made only two catches for 17 yards in two preseason games, and his role was not what he had envisioned.

"There are still a couple of preseason games left and time before the season opener," coach Bill Belichick said. "I think there are some other teams that are looking for tight ends, and maybe there is a better opportunity for him somewhere else.

"We felt like, in fairness to him and out of respect for Marcus and what he has done in his career - he's had an outstanding career, coming from a small school, and has become a very productive player - he deserved that."

The move left Watson, Thomas, undrafted rookie Jonathan Stupar, journeyman Stephen Spach, who is out with an undisclosed injury, and DeVree, who was originally signed as an undrafted free agent May 5, as the tight ends.

"All the players that are here we are comfortable with to some degree," Belichick said. "On the other hand, there is always room for improvement with everyone. I think with Marcus that it wasn't really going to work out here the way that we had hoped and he had hoped."

DeVree, who finished his collegiate career at Colorado (2006-07) after transferring as a sophomore from Western Michigan, reported yesterday and was at practice, wearing No. 46."