Martellus Bennett's second stint with the Patriots is over.
New England released the tight end on Wednesday, the team announced. He was due a $2 million bonus if he was on the roster by March 14 and the move saves the Pats $6.2 million in salary cap space. The Patriots also announced the releases of returne man Bernard Reedy and defensive end Caleb Kidder.
Bennett, who turns 31 March 10, played just two games in his second time around in Foxboro after his controversial release from the Green Bay Packers last season. He was placed on injured reserve in late November after he was signed earlier that month. In 2016, Bennett became a key target for Tom Brady in the absence of Rob Gronkowski on the Pats' run to their fifth Super Bowl title.
It was an eventful day for the Bennetts. Martellus' brother, Michael, 32, a defensive end, was traded on Wednesday by the Seattle Seahawks to the Philadelphia Eagles.