The Patriots released offensive tackle Steve Maneri and long snapper James Dearth today, according to a league source. In turn, the Patriots claimed long snapper Danny Aiken on waivers from the Bills, and also finalized the signing of veteran offensive lineman Brian Waters.
Maneri, a first-year player from Temple who had made strides since being claimed at this time last year and spending most of last year on the practice squad, was fourth on the team's offensive tackle depth chart. The Patriots have Matt Light, Sebastian Vollmer and Nate Solder at tackle.
Meanwhile, the move at long snapper highlights the instability the team has had there since Lonie Paxton left as a free agent before the 2009 season. Aiken, a rookie who played at the University of Virginia, is the third snapper the Patriots have had since camp opened in late July, following veterans Matt Katula and Dearth. The Patriots thought they had the position in good hands when they selected Jake Ingram in the sixth round of the 2009 draft, but Ingram struggled in his second season, prompting a change.
Elsewhere, two players who were with the Patriots in training camp -- offensive lineman Thomas Austin and defensive lineman Landon Cohen -- have landed with new teams. Austin is headed to Houston, while Cohen will join Seattle.