The Sports Xchange

The New England Patriots reportedly have agreed to a deal with quarterback Matt Flynn.

The team also announced Thursday that it has released quarterback Garrett Gilbert, veteran tight end Tim Wright and rookie wide receiver Zach D’Orazio and signed rookie linebacker D.J. Lynch and rookie tight ends Jimmay Mundine and Logan Stokes.

Flynn, whose signing was reported by ESPN and FOX Sports, would give the Patriots a veteran as they prepare to start the season without Tom Brady — although team sources told ESPN that the signing has nothing to do with Brady’s pending four-game suspension.

Jimmy Garoppolo, a second-round pick in 2014, is expected to start the games Brady misses. Brady was suspended for his alleged role in deflating footballs before the AFC title game last season. His appeal is scheduled to be heard June 23 by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Flynn, 29, is an eight-year veteran who has spent time with the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills.

Flynn essentially replaces Gilbert, a 2014 sixth-round pick of the St. Louis Rams who finished last season on the Patriots’ practice squad.

Wright, 25, was acquired by the Patriots from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last August. He caught 26 passes for 259 yards and six touchdowns last season.

D’Orazio was signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of Akron on May 26. Lynch played in 48 games at Bowling Green and finished with 230 tackles. Mundine holds Kansas’ record for touchdowns by a tight end (11). Stokes was a blocking tight end at LSU.