Patriots cut Tommy Kelly, Will Smith and James Anderson

Tommy Kelly was always in danger of being cut, but it seemed like his job was safe.

Apparently not as he is the first surprise cut of training camp.

NE with some notable cuts: Patriots released veteran DL Tommie Kelly and Will Smith, along with vet LB James Anderson, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2014

Will Smith and James Anderson are also surprises. Anderson shined as a linebacker in coverage early on in camp, but had little special teams value. That likely could've ended his tenure with the Patriots.

Smith, the veteran defensive end, did not have his name brought up much during camp. However, he did have some struggles in the team's last preseason game.

Tommy Kelly is by far the biggest surprise. He was expected to have a significant role this year, though the young guns Chris Jones, Joe Vellano and Sealver Siliga who got all of his reps when he missed last year with a torn ACL are likely capable of filling the void. At least in Belichick's estimation.

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