Just wrapped up a conference call with Bill Belichick...the day after games, these calls usually focus on the game that just occurred, but with tomorrow being roster cut-down day and the Patriots already announcing they shaved six players, including QB Andrew Walter, today's questions were a bit more all over the map.

Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of conference calls is that sometimes there are technical difficulties, and today was no different. At one point I had to hang up and re-dial because of an awful noise I was getting -- and wouldn't you know it was when Belichick was discussing the decision to release Walter.

Here's what I heard on that:

"Andrew had a lot of positives; we discussed that when we signed him. (But) a lot of guys that we release are talented players and have played in the league," he said.

I know, not great. Hopefully the transcript will reveal whether or not there was something more I missed.

As to releasing players, Belichick called these few days likely the most difficult of the year for all NFL coaches because they have to tell players who have worked so hard that they're being released. It is even moreso for veterans who have been with your team, as is the case with Billy Yates.

"Billy has been one of our real solid guys here through the years, very dependable, very tough, gives 110 percent, a guy every coach would love to have on his team," he said.

Belichick had no update on Matthew Slater, who left the game with a left arm injury last night.

He also touched on the team's quarterback situation, what considerations have to be made if the team keeps five running backs, the consistent production in all phases of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and when asked if New England has had any discussions with the Eagles in the last day or so about a potential trade, said that at this time of year, there are talks with just about every team.