After one solid year followed by a disappointing campaign, wide receiver Brandon LaFell has been released by the New England Patriots, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Mike Reiss.
Patriots release Brandon LaFell after an underwhelming 2015 season
LaFell lasted just two seasons in New England.
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LaFell was set to count $3.675 million against the salary cap next season, which is a perfectly affordable number, but the Patriots figure they can upgrade from the veteran receiver. His release frees up $2.675 million in cap space. In addition to cutting LaFell, the Patriots parted ways with tight end Scott Chandler Wednesday as well. He carried a cap hit north of $3 million for next season.
The Carolina Panthers selected LaFell in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He spent four mostly underwhelming seasons in Charlotte before signing a three-year deal worth $9 million with New England. LaFell had a solid 2014 season and appeared to be something of a late bloomer, posting career highs with 74 catches, 953 yards and seven touchdowns.
However, LaFell came crashing back to Earth in 2015. After missing the first six weeks with a foot injury, he never found his form again, putting up just 37 catches for 515 yards in 11 games and failing to score a touchdown. LaFell was eventually written out of the game plan in the playoffs, not getting a single target in the Patriots' AFC Championship loss.
The Patriots have thin receiver depth behind Julian Edelman, so releasing LaFell is a clear sign that he's fallen out of favor. Turning 30 in November, he may receive just middling interest on the free agent market.
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