Pats cut Lynch, 2006 second-round pick Jackson

Posted: Sun Aug 31 5:12 PM

Foxboro, MA (Sports Network) - The New England Patriots released veteran safety John Lynch and wide receiver Chad Jackson on Sunday.

Lynch, who turns 37 in September, spent the past four seasons with the Denver Broncos after playing his first 11 years with Tampa Bay. He has earned nine Pro Bowl selections, including four straight.

"It goes without saying but John is an all-time great safety, one of the league's classiest professionals and his elite play speaks for itself," said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. "As has been the case in other situations, I would not rule anything out down the road."

In 224 NFL games, including 191 starts, Lynch has amassed 1,277 tackles, 26 interceptions, 13 sacks, 16 forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. He has also started 12 playoff games and was a member of Tampa Bay's Super Bowl championship team after the 2002 season.

Last year with the Broncos, Lynch recorded 62 tackles in 13 games played. He was released by Denver on July 31, and signed on with the Pats on August 15.

"I have no regrets about my time thus far with the Patriots," said Lynch. "The immense respect that I've long held for the organization has been only heightened over the past couple of weeks. I am going to keep all options open and look forward with excitement to see what the future brings."

Jackson, a second-round (36th overall) pick out of Florida in 2006, was a bust for New England. The 23-year-old has only 13 receptions in two seasons with New England, all coming in 2006. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the AFC championship game that season against the Indianapolis Colts, and only played in two games last season for New England. Jackson was beat out by Jabar Gaffney for the No. 3 receiver slot.