Patriots trade Laurence Maroney to Broncos

The New England Patriots have traded Laurence Maroney to the Denver Broncos.

  The Patriots have dealt Maroney and a sixth-round draft pick in next year’s draft to Denver in exchange for a fourth-round choice in 2011.

 The trade was initially reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN.

 The Patriots’ first-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, Maroney rushed for 2,430 yards in four seasons in New England.

Maroney’s role on the 2010 Patriots was called into question during the preseason when he went two games without a carry.

    Listed on last week’s injury report with a thigh injury, Maroney did not suit up for the Patriots’ 38-24 season-opening win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

   With Maroney gone, the Patriots’ running back by committee now numbers four: Fred Taylor, who has moved into the lead back role; Sammy Morris, who also doubles as a fullback; third-down back Kevin Faulk and; BenJarvus Green-Ellis, whose five carries were second to Taylor’s 14 against the Bengals.