The New England Patriots released wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell on Monday, according to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora.
Mitchell, a 2016 fourth-round pick, missed the entirety of last season because of a knee injury. The University of Georgia product recently underwent a procedure on his troublesome knee "to accelerate healing," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Prior to Mitchell's release, the Patriots were "seeking a potential trade partner" for the 25-year-old, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
But with concerns about his knee growing and the Patriots set at receiver after signing Eric Decker, New England evidently didn't have much leverage.