Weeks after winning Super Bowl LIII via a 13-3 schooling of the Los Angeles Rams, the New England Patriots have started reshaping their roster, adding six new faces and releasing a key piece of their defensive unit.

The Patriots recently released veteran defensive end Adrian Clayborn, who played 14 regular season games in his lone season in Foxborough, tallying 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Last year, the 30-year-old Clayborn signed a two-year, $10 million deal with the Patriots. The move created a $4 million salary cap space for the Patriots, who will carry $2 million in dead money following Clayborn’s release.

On his Twitter account, Clayborn thanked the Patriots for granting his release, saying he’s ready for the next chapter in his career. “I gained so much respect for how you do things and win championships,” Clayborn tweeted.

Patriots sign six new players

The Patriots beefed up their lineup by signing six new players from the free-agent pool, including defensive back Terrence Brooks, wide receivers Bruce Ellington and Maurice Harris, tight end Matt LaCosse, defensive lineman Mike Pennel, and defensive end John Simon.

The 27-year-old Brooks has five NFL seasons under his name, playing for the Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, and the New York Jets.

A third-round draft pick by the Ravens in 2014, he played in 65 games with one start, recording 37 tackles and three interceptions.

Ellington has played 44 games with the San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, and the Detroit Lions, recording 79 catches for 769 yards and five scores. He also ran 11 times for 54 yards and a touchdown.

He was also utilized as a punt and kick returner, returning 48 punts for 372 yards and 50 kickoffs for 1,279 yards.

Patriots keep McCourty, acquire Michael Bennett

The Patriots also re-signed cornerback Jason McCourty, who joined the team last season to team up with his twin brother Devin in New England’s secondary. Terms of McCourty’s new deal were not announced.

In 138 NFL games, the 31-year-old McCourty tallied 626 tackles, one sack, and 17 picks.

New England also acquired veteran defensive lineman Michael Bennett from the Eagles, but terms of the trade were not announced. Bennett is a 10-year NFL veteran, playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, and the Eagles.

The Patriots also signed running back Brandon Bolden as an unrestricted free agent. Bolden recently played one season for the Miami Dolphins, running eight times for 91 yards and two scores. Bolden played his first six NFL seasons with the Patriots, who were led by quarterback Tom Brady to their sixth Super Bowl trophy in nine appearances. However, despite Brady's performance, he will not earn his incentives under his deal.