Patriots work out QB Kafka, TE Winslow

Quarterback Mike Kafka and tight end Kellen Winslow worked out for the Patriots on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.

Kafka was released by the Eagles, and the Patriots cut Brian Hoyer, who was the third quarterback behind Tom Brady and Ryan Mallett.

The Eagles attempted to trade Kafka, but ultimately waived him and he went unclaimed. Kafka was the odd man out to back up Michael Vick after rookie Nick Foles and veteran Trent Edwards played well in the preseason.

"There was great competition at the QB position," coach Andy Reid said. "That's what football and training camp is all about. In the end, we had to make the difficult decision to let Mike Kafka go."The New England Patriots continue to kick the tires of some of the biggest names cut over the weekend by NFL teams.

Winslow was released by the Seattle Seahawks. The Patriots already have tight ends Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, and Visanthe Shiancoe on the roster. But Shiancoe hasn't has had health issues, and the Patriots may be taking a look at Winslow as an insurance measure.