July 31 (UPI) -- Former Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver K.J. Maye is now a member of the New England Patriots.
Maye takes the roster spot of longtime linebacker Rob Ninkovch, who recently announced his retirement. Ninkovich, 33, began his NFL career in 2006 with the New Orleans Saints. He played eight seasons in New England, winning two Super Bowls.
The Patriots announced the moves on Sunday. Maye played four seasons for the Golden Gophers, totaling 1,190 yards and six receiving scores on 73 receptions. He showed versatility in college, lining up at running back, receiver and on special teams. Maye averaged 5.2 yards per carry out of the backfield and scored two rushing touchdowns in his college career.
The 23-year-old signed with the New York Giants in April of 2016 as an undrafted free agent. He was waived last August when the Giants cut the roster to 75 players. Maye spent time with the Tennessee Titans' practice squad last season before signing a futures deal with the team in January. He was cut in May.
New England now has 11 wide receivers on their roster, even after the retirement of Andrew Hawkins. Those pass catches include: Julian Edelman, Brandin Cooks, Chris Hogan, Devin Lucien, Malcolm Mitchell, Danny Amendola, Matthew Slater, Cody Hollister, Austin Carr, Tony Washington and Maye.
