FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -The New England Patriots re-signed linebacker Eric Alexander on Wednesday.

Alexander, an exclusive-rights free agent who has played in 30 games over four seasons for the team, had 14 special teams tackles last season.

The 26-year-old was signed by New England as a rookie free agent in 2004. He played his first full season on the active roster in 2006, including starting in the AFC Championship game.

Also on Wednesday, the team released three players signed as rookie free agents this spring: Tight end Tyson DeVree and defensive linemen Henry Smith and Casey Tyler.