By Phil Perry
CSNNE.com
Maybe the Patriots released nothing but NFL-quality players, or maybe the rest of the NFL is looking for insight into Foxboro's inner workings. Either way, ex-Patriots were re-claimed by NFL teams -- some Patriots rivals -- left and right this weekend.
You already know safety Brandon Meriweather was picked up by the Bears. That's the big one. (Another former Pats safety, James Sanders, signed with the Falcons last week.)
Receiver Brandon Tate couldn't cut it here, but he got picked up by Chad Ochocinco's former club in Cincinnati, according to our pals at Pro Football Talk.
Cornerback Jonathan Wilhite has signed with the Denver Broncos, according to ESPN.
Rookie tight end Lee Smith has been claimed by the Bills. Another rookie tight end, Will Yeatman, was claimed off of waivers by the Dolphins, ESPN reports. It was speculated that the Patriots would try to stash one of, or both, Smith and Yeatman on the practice squad, but the Pats AFC East competition put a stop to that.
Offensive lineman Thomas Austin was picked up by the Texans and defensive lineman Landon Cohen landed with Seattle, according to ESPN.