New England Patriots Cut QB Matt Flynn, Sign Ryan Lindley

The New England Patriots have released quarterback Matt Flynn on Monday and signed Ryan Lindley. Lindley will be the team's No. 3 quarterback.

Flynn had previously signed a one-year deal with the Patriots in June. He was not active during training camp due to a hamstring injury.

The Patriots, who currently have a bit of a situation at the quarterback position, needed to added a healthy reserve. Lindley, 26, has made six career regular season starts for the Arizona Cardinals and went 1-5. He has also started one postseason game in Arizona as well. Lindley was released in camp last year.

The Patriots will be starting off their season without their Super Bowl MVP, Tom Brady, who was suspended by the league for being involved with the Deflategate scandal.

The Ted Wells investigation into the scandal concluded that it was more probable than not that Brady had knowledge in regards to the tampered footballs used in the AFC Championship game.

The veteran quarterback appealed his four-game suspension, which the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell upheld. Brady is still trying to get the suspension overturned and has been scheduled for a court-ordered settlement hearing on Aug. 12 in New York City. Goodell is attending the hearing as well.

If Brady's suspension does not get overturned, the Patriots will be started Jimmy Garoppolo.

Josh Alper of NBC Sports noted:

"The Patriots surely hope that Lindley doesn't make any starts for them this season, but the fact that he made any last year is a reminder that things don't always play out as planned. If nothing else, the Patriots need someone to take reps in practice and back up Garoppolo early in the regular season if Brady's suspension remains in place."

The Patriots will be playing their first preseason game Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers in Gillette Stadium. They will be kicking off their season on Thursday, Sept 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.