New England added another former New York Jet Tuesday, signing linebacker Olrick Johnson. The team also released linebacker John Munch and wide receiver Tony Hamler, placed guard Terrance Beadles on injured reserve and put running back Robert Edwards on the non-football injury list.
Johnson was released Sunday by the Minnesota Vikings. The second-year player saw action in five games with Minnesota last season before being released and joining the Jets for three games. He made seven tackles in 1999, including three tackles as a reserve in New York.
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Munch and Hamler were both first-year players signed by the Patriots in the offseason. Munch had 11 tackles, one sack and two special teams tackles in four preseason games with New England. Hamler, who was on New England's practice squad briefly in 1999, was injured for much of camp.
Beadles, who saw time as a backup lineman early in the preseason, suffered a shoulder injury. By putting him on injured reserve, the Patriots lose him for the year but retain the rights to him.
Edwards has not played since his rookie season in 1998. He suffered a severe injury while playing in a rookie beach flag-football game during the 1998 Pro Bowl weekend, but he still hopes to return.
The roster moves leave New England with 65 players. The team must get down to 53 by Sunday, Aug. 27.
