The Sports Xchange

The New England Patriots released defensive backs Derek Cox and Justin Green, and linebacker DJ Lynch on Saturday.

Cox, 28, was signed by the Patriots as a free agent on June 8. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder is a veteran of five NFL seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2009-12) and the San Diego Chargers (2013). He originally entered the NFL as a third-round draft pick by Jacksonville in 2009 out of William & Mary. He has played in 63 NFL games (56 starts) and has accumulated 204 total tackles, 13 interceptions and 39 passes defensed.

Green, 24, originally signed with the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of Illinois on July 21, 2013. The 5-11, 200-pounder spent the majority of his rookie season on the practice squad with two stints on the 53-man roster. He played in two regular season games in 2013 but did not register any tackles. Green went to training camp with the Patriots last summer but was traded to Dallas on Aug. 13, 2014. The Cowboys released Green prior to the start of the season and he was re-signed by New England to the practice squad on Dec. 3.

Lynch, 22, was signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of Bowling Green on June 11. The 6-0, 252-pounder played in 48 games (26 starts) at Bowling Green and finished with 230 total tackles.