The Patriots waived cornerback Sterling Moore and tight end Alex Silvestro and signed defensive back Derrick Martin and linebacker Mike Rivera on Wednesday.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Moore, who was signed by the Patriots last October, became a regular part of New England's secondary rotation in 2011, eventually playing a key role in the Patriots' win in the AFC title game when he knocked a pass away from Ravens receiver Lee Evans. The 22-year-old has 13 tackles, one pass defensed and one forced fumble in eight games this season.
Silvestro, 23, originally joined the Patriots a rookie free agent defensive lineman from Rutgers in 2011. The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder, spent the majority of his rookie season on the New England practice squad. He was signed to the 53-man roster prior to the Patriots game vs. Miami on Dec. 24 last season and played in a reserve role, finishing with two total tackles. Silvestro returned to the practice squad before being signed to the 53-man roster the day before the Super Bowl. He was active but did not play in the game. Silvestro converted to tight end in the offseason and was released by the Patriots at the end of training camp this year and has had two stints on the practice squad so far this season.
Martin and Rivera both have previous connections to the Patriots. The 27-year-old Martin, who has been in the league for six seasons, signed with the Patriots on Aug. 4, but was released on Aug. 31 prior to the start of the regular season. The 5-foot-10, 198-pound defensive back had 12 tackles in 14 games last season for the Giants. As for Rivera, the 6-foot-2, 255-pounder out of Kansas was signed to the Patriots' practice squad last November, but the 26-year-old was released in September after seeing limited action on special teams.
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