Cody Kessler

His release trims $935,000 off the team's books. More importantly, it leaves only Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer as New England's options under center. With a sudden vacancy at that position, perhaps coach Bill Belichick will kick the tires on free agent Cam Newton.

Per the report, Kessler stayed in the New England area since being released by the team earlier this month. He'll now rejoin the Patriots to add a layer of depth and experience at quarterback behind Tom Brady.

Kessler signed with the Pats in the latter stages of September to provide additional quarterback depth, but the team now feels good enough to roll with just Tom Brady and Jarrett Stidham. Kessler signed with the Eagles in May shortly after being let go by the Jaguars, but he didn't make the team's initial 53-man roster.

Tom Brady and his backup Jarrett Stidham aren't dealing with any apparent injuries, so it's unclear why the Patriots brought Kessler aboard. There's no reason to question the method to Bill Belichick's madness, however, as Kessler is a decent backup. He has played in 17 career games between the Browns and Jaguars, completing 64.1 percent of his passes for 2,215 yards (6.3 YPA), eight touchdowns and five interceptions.