Foxborough, MA -- (Sports Network) - The New England Patriots signed veteran running back Patrick Pass and released four players on Thursday.

Pass, who was a member of the Patriots from 2000-06, played in just one game for the New York Giants in 2007 and was out of football last season.

The 5-foot-10, 217-pound Pass, who won three Super Bowls with New England, played in 78 regular-season games (11 starts) during his time with the Patriots. He started at fullback during New England's Super Bowl XXXIX victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

In 79 career games in the NFL, Pass has rushed for 526 yards on 128 attempts with three touchdowns. He also has caught 66 passes for 570 yards with one TD. The 31-year-old has 50 tackles on special teams.

New England also released defensive lineman Kenny Smith, linebacker Angelo Craig, running back Omar Cuff, and defensive back Marcus McClinton.