According to ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the New England Patriots notified veteran tight end Dwayne Allen on Saturday that they plan to release him in advance of NFL free agency. The move is expected to save the team $7.3 million in salary cap relief.
It also doesn’t come as a huge surprise, as Allen’s production on the field never quite lived up to expectations. In two seasons with the Patriots, Allen finished with just 13 total receptions for 113 yards and one touchdown. In fairness, he was reportedly an excellent locker-room presence and teammate, and did make some decent contributions as a blocking tight end when he found playing time.