Patriots release Martellus Bennett

The New England Patriots announced Wednesday they have released end Martellus Bennett.

The move comes before the team was set to pay Bennett's $2-million roster bonus. It would save New England roughly $6.2 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap.

Bennett, who turns 31 this month, played in nine games during an injury-filled 2017 between the Packers and Patriots, catching nine passes for 30 yards. The veteran recently contemplated retirement, but he reportedly intends to play in 2018.

The Patriots now have just Dwayne Allen and Jacob Hollister behind starting tight end Rob Gronkowski, who has reportedly considered retirement while mulling careers in acting and pro wrestling.