FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots released cornerback Chidi Iwuoma today. The team also released rookie center Brian Barthelmes from their practice squad.
Iwuoma, 28, played in three games for the Patriots on special teams coverage units and recorded two special teams tackles after being signed by the Patriots as a free agent on Oct. 4, 2006. The 5-foot-9-inch, 184-pound defensive back has played in 73 career games with one start in five years for the Detroit Lions (2001), Pittsburgh Steelers (2002-05) and Patriots (2006), recording 82 career special teams tackles in addition to 10 career defensive tackles (4 solo).
Barthelmes, 23, was originally signed by the Patriots as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 8, 2006. The 6-foot-6-inch, 300-pound offensive lineman participated in the first three games of the 2006 preseason before being released on Aug. 29, 2006. He was signed to the Patriots' practice squad on Oct. 25, 2005.
