Pats Report: Warren & Butler Out, Older Gronkowski In

Ghosts of Patriots' Past Darius Butler & Brandon Meriweather Three days after the Patriots finished clearing out their strong safeties from last year’s roster (James Sanders & Brandon Meriweather), the Pats let go of another familiar defensive back: Darius Butler.  Butler, a 2009 second-round pick, had a very solid rookie season and came into last season as the starter when Leigh Bodden was placed on injured reserve.  However, Butler was torched by Braylon Edwards in the second half of the Pats’ week two loss to the Jets and lost his starting job.  Butler has now been claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers. More on Darius Butler’s exit: “Door Closes on Darius Butler” – Boston Herald “Butler is cut by Patriots” – Boston Globe “Pats Cut Former 2nd-Round Pick Butler” – WEEI.com “Flynn: Butler’s release no ‘big concern’” – CSNNE “Report: Panthers claim But...