It was certainly risky, but they waited to cut him until Monday when the major round of cuts all happen over the weekend. The Patriots are masters of timing cuts just right and this one is a good example. Still he was their fourth tackle last year and at the time seemed like solely a right tackle (which he probably still is even though he’s held up well at left tackle). So I’m not shocked he didn’t get picked up, but I’m sure they held their breath a bit while he was available. It was just a time when most teams have made their big moves and are looking to see what they have in-house, while the Patriots are always tweaking things here and there, staying flexible to pounce on any player they have interest in who becomes available.