Patriots release over 20 players

Aside from veteran receiver Deion Branch and long-time backup Brian Hoyer, the Patriots released the following players on Friday: safety Sergio Brown, receiver Jeremy Ebert, defensive lineman Marcus Harrison, receiver Jesse Holley, safety James Ihedigbo, fullback Eric Kettani, center Dan Koppen, linebacker Niko Koutouvides, defensive lineman Aaron Lavarias, safety Derrick Martin, tight end Alex Silvestro, linebacker Jeff Tarpinian, receiver Kerry Taylor, tight end Tyler Urban and safety Malcolm Williams.