Patriots cut QB John Friesz

FOXBORO, Mass., Feb. 22 -- Reserve quarterback John Friesz was among three players released Thursday by the New England Patriots.

The Patriots also cut linebackers Marc Megna and Olrick Johnson.

Friesz, 33, joined the Patriots as an unrestricted free agent on April 22, 1999, but appeared in only two games in two seasons as a backup to starter Drew Bledsoe.

The 6-0, 244-pound Johnson was used mostly on special teams for the Patriots last season. The 6-2, 245-pound Megna was waived by the Patriots on August 27 and signed by the Cincinnati Bengals. He was re-claimed by the Patriots after being waived by the Bengals on Nov. 30.