New England Patriots
Tommy Kelly - DT
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 6' 6"/ 325 lbs. |
| Birthday | 12/27/1980 |
| Birthplace | Jackson, MS |
| College | Mississippi State |
| Years played | 10 |
Tuesday's 60-second rant: Bills "D" not getting it done vs. AFC East
The Bills' defense, especially up front, is not living up to its lofty expectations in two division losses.
Dolphins sign WR Gaffney, release WR Naanee
The Dolphins signed WR Jabar Gaffney and released WR Legedu Naanee, the team announced Tuesday.
AFC East Spin cycle: Week Four
The AFC East standings may look close, but Week Four proved that the Patriots are still ahead of the class.
Pats dominate second half, rally to beat Bills
Tom Brady led New England on six consecutive second-half touchdown drives and the Patriots rolled to a 52-28 win over the Bills on Sunday.
Patriots' new safeties getting positive early reviews
The Patriots needed to upgrade their safety position opposite Patrick Chung, and their two additions are working out nicely.
Key matchup: Patriots interior O-line vs. Bills defensive tackles
If the Bills want to upset the Patriots for the second year in a row, they’ll need to disrupt Tom Brady, something they can do up the gut.
Patriots release TE Winslow
TE Kellen Winslow asked for and received his release from the Patriots on Thursday, ESPN first reported.
Raiders sign veteran DE Carter
The Raiders signed veteran DE Andre Carter, the team announced Wednesday. They cut second-year OT Joe Barksdale.
League fines Belichick $50,000
The NFL fined Patriots head coach Bill Belichick $50,000 for “impermissible physical contact with an official.”
Patriots sign DL McClain
The Patriots signed DL Terrell McClain on Wednesday and released DL Marcus Forston.
AFC East Spin cycle: Week Three
The Bills and Jets are tied atop the AFC East with records of 2-1, and the Patriots are below .500 for the first time in nine years.
Ravens fight back to top Patriots
Justin Tucker kicked a 27-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Ravens a 31-30 victory over the Patriots.
Patriots sign Winslow, re-sign Branch, Koutouvides
The Patriots signed TE Kellen Winslow and re-signed WR Deion Branch and LB Niko Koutouvides.
Report: TE Winslow agrees with Patriots
The Patriots and TE Kellen Winslow Jr. have agreed to terms on a one-year deal, ESPN's James Walker reported Tuesday.
PLAYER NEWS
The Oakland Raiders have released Kelly, cutting ties with their longest-tenured position player on the roster.|||||||
Kelly signed a $50.1 million, seven-year contract to remain with Oakland in 2008. He was owed $6.5 million this year before being cut. Kelly had one sack in 16 games last season.
Kelly accepted responsibility for his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, saying he made a bad mistake.|||||||
Kelly went out drinking Sunday night after the Raiders returned from a road trip to Kansas City. He was booked at Oakland's Glenn E. Dyer Detention Facility on Monday and later released. Kelly acknowledged that he is under more scrutiny this season after signing a seven-year contract in the offseason that was worth up to $50.5 million and included $18.125 million in guaranteed money. Coach Lane Kiffin sat down with Kelly on Wednesday to talk about the situation.
Kelly was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Authorities say Kelly was booked at Oakland's Glenn E. Dyer Detention Facility on Monday and later released.|||||||
The Raiders signed Kelly to a $50.5 million contract this year even though the veteran defensive lineman was coming off a serious knee injury that cut his 2007 season short. Kelly had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Kelly replaced Warren Sapp as the anchor of the Raiders' defensive line.
The Raiders resigned Kelly on Thursday to a seven-year contract that reportedly could be worth more than $50 million. Kelly, coming off reconstructive knee surgery, was set to become an unrestricted free agent on Friday. But the Raiders pre-empted that with a lucrative contract that guarantees Kelly more than $18 million.|||||||
Keeping Kelly was an offseason priority for Oakland after defensive tackle Warren Sapp retired. Kelly was the team's most consistent defensive lineman last season before sustaining the season-ending knee injury Oct. 28 against Tennessee. Kelly's versatility is one of his biggest strengths as he is able to play inside at tackle or outside at end. He finished 2007 with 27 solo tackles, one sack and a blocked kick.
Kelly will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ligament in his right knee, the latest injury to hit Oakland's defensive line.|||||||
Kelly had 27 solo tackles and one sack this season, moving back and forth between end and tackle with ease. He also came up with one of the biggest plays of the season for Oakland, blocking a potential winning 40-yard field goal attempt by Cleveland's Phil Dawson on Sept. 23.
