Ryan Mallett not among Patriots' final cuts

Despite falling behind rookie Jimmy Garoppolo in the quarterback race, Ryan Mallett was not among the New England Patriots' final roster cuts.

There was some speculation the Patriots would only carry two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, but Garoppolo's lackluster performance in the preseason finale may have convinced them otherwise.

It's also possible that the Patriots plan to use one of their backups as trade bait. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Houston Texans are expected to claim Mallett if he is released by the Patriots before the start of the regular season.

The Patriots cut 19 players Saturday, including two of their draft picks, offensive lineman Jon Halapio and wide receiver Jeremy Gallon.