Patriots Reportedly Release QB Turned WR Danny Etling

Danny Etling couldn't cut it as an NFL quarterback, so the Patriots gave him an opportunity to join fellow QB-turned-wideout Julian Edelman in New England's receiving corps.

Unfortunately for the LSU product, Etling proved just as ineffective at that, and now has to find a new home elsewhere. The Patriots have waived Etling, thus punting on their latest experiment and former seventh-round pick in the process.

Drafting Etling was viewed as a curious decision from the outset, as he never did much to separate himself from the rest of his draft class at LSU. With the Tigers, Etling proved he had some wheels, but also posted seasons of just 11 and 16 touchdowns throwing the ball in his final two seasons in Baton Rouge. That's not much to write home about.

Still, Etling was given his opportunity to sit and learn behind Brady as a passer, and even ripped off an 86-yard rushing touchdown against the Giants in the preseason.

Etling's limited experience at wide receiver meant this experiment was always a longshot from New England's perspective. Perhaps they could add him to the practice squad and allow Etling to grow in the offense, but any real on-field opportunity seems unlikely.