The New England Patriots have are cleaning house as the team has released tight end Martellus Bennett.
The news was broke to ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates who tweeted the news just momemts ago.
More Bennett brothers news today: the Patriots are releasing TE Martellus Bennett, per league source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 7, 2018
Bennett was claimed by the Patriots from the Green Bay Packers close to the midway point of the season only playing in two games recording six catches for only 53 yards before being relegated to injured reserve.
With this move, the Patriots will save $6.2 million towards their salary cap and will not have to pay the $2 million bonus that we due to Bennett on Mar.14.
It’s cause for speculation as to why the Patriots are clearing so much cap space as the money added after the declining Alan Branch’s option and releasing Bennett comes $9.75 million.
One theory could be the team is gathering money to sign cornerback Richard Sherman who announced that the he would not be returning to the Seattle Seahawks earlier today. The Patriots could also look at another Seahawk who will not be returning to the team in tight end Jimmy Graham who if paired with Rob Gronkowski, would make a formidable duo.
The Patriots are left with tight ends Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen, Jacob Hollister, and Will Tye on their roster.
