Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
In an attempt to clear cap room, the defending champion New England Patriots have released their biggest free-agent signing of last offseason.
Veteran defensive end Adrian Clayborn took to social media on Friday to announce that the team has parted ways with him.
“Thank you Patriots for my time with the organization. I gained so much respect for how you do things and win championships,” Clayborn wrote on Twitter. “It’s done the right way through hard work. Thank you for granting my release. I’m ready for this next chapter.”
Clayborn, 30, had signed a two-year, $10 million contract with New England last March. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round pick went on to record just 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks. This came after a 9.5-sack performance with Atlanta the year prior.
New England saves a cool $4 million against the cap by releasing Clayborn.