Russian President Vladimir Putin walked off with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft's diamond-encrusted 2005 Super Bowl ring during a recent meeting with U.S. business executives. But not to worry: Kraft says the ring was a gift to Putin, presented out of "respect and admiration." No hobbits, just Patriots owner Robert Kraft, left, News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch, and Vladimir Putin (note the precious Super Bowl bauble in the Russian president's left hand). Earlier, The Boston Globe had speculated that Kraft hadn't meant to give away the ring. "I showed the president my most recent Super Bowl ring," Kraft said in a statement released Wednesday. The Russian president "was clearly taken with its uniqueness," Kraft said. "At that point, I decided to give him the ring as a symbol of the respect and admiration that I have for the Russian people and the leadership of President Putin," Kraft said.

The New England Patriots added free agent Chad Morton on Tuesday. Morton, who is recovering from an injured right knee that limited him to six games last season, will return kicks for New England this season if he can stay healthy.

The New England Patriots waived rookies Travis Conway and Mike Lorenz on Wednesday. Conway, 23, attended Virginia Tech, where he served as a long snapper. Lorenz, 23, attended the University of Wisconsin where he played tackle on the Badgers offensive line.

Richard Seymour was noticeably missing from the New England Patriots minicamp on Thursday. Coach Bill Belichick has labeled the absence as ?unexcused.? Previously, the All-Pro defensive lineman complained about being underpaid with two years remaining on a six-year, $14.3 million deal signed in 2001. "I wouldn't comment on any player discipline or player contract situations. You know that," the coach said. "I would love to, but I just want to stay consistent with the policy."

The Patriots added depth to their secondary, signing unrestricted free agent safety Antuan Edwards. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Edwards started a career-high 13 games in a 2004 season split between the Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams. He recorded 65 tackles and 10 passes defensed, both career bests.

The New York Daily News is reporting that Jets fans shouldn't expect their team to sign Ty Law. They are rumored to be interested Law, the former Patriots star. For one thing, it appears that CB Donnie Abraham will play this season. Secondly, the Jets aren't likely to meet Law's asking price. There is a good chance that he winds up with the Browns, reunited with former Pats defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.

The New England Patriots waived two players on Wednesday, letting recently 27-year-old quarterback Chris Redman and 25-year-old tackle Lance Nimmo loose. The Patriots had signed the 6-foot-3-inch, 223-pound Redman to a future contract on Jan. 6 after the 27-year-old quarterback spent the 2004 season out of football. The 6-foot-5-inch, 303-pound Nimmo was signed to the Patriots practice squad on Nov. 10, 2004 and was subsequently signed to the active roster on Feb. 16, 2005.