The Patriots released linebackers Curtis Jacobs and Andrew Parker Jr., offensive tackle Caleb Jones and center Lecitus Smith on Friday. The moves bring the Patriots’ roster size down to 69 players with just a little over a month before the 2025 NFL Draft. Jacobs, Parker, Jones and Smith were all signed during the 2024 season. Jacobs was claimed off waivers from the Chiefs in August. The speedy linebacker appeared in nine games, primarily on special teams, but did receive two starts on defense. Parker was signed to the Patriots’ practice squad in December. He began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Jaguars last spring. Jones was signed to the Patriots’ practice squad in September. He spent the entire season on the practice squad but didn’t appear in a game. Smith was signed off the Packers’ practice squad in September. He appeared in eight games with one start. The Patriots are in the midst of changing over their roster. They’ve re-signed four players since Mike Vrabel took over as head coach: tight end Austin Hooper, safety Jaylinn Hawkins, cornerback Alex Austin, center Ben Brown, offensive tackle Demontrey Jacobs and defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms. They released center David Andrews and linebacker Sione Takitaki and elected not to re-sign quarterback Jacoby Brissett, defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale, cornerback Jonathan Jones and defensive end Deatrich Wise. They’ve signed 13 players this month: quarterback Joshua Dobbs, wide receiver Mack Hollins, offensive tackle Morgan Moses, guard Wes Schweitzer, center Garrett Bradbury, defensive tackles Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga, linebackers Harold Landry, Robert Spillane, K’Lavon Chaisson and Jack Gibbens, cornerback Carlton Davis and safety Marcus Epps.