The Patriots are parting ways with one of their defensive regulars of recent seasons.
New England will release cornerback Kyle Arrington, ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss reported Monday morning. Other media outlets have also reported Arrington’s departure.
The 28-year-old Arrington started 4-of-14 games for the Patriots in 2014, notching 39 tackles, four passes defensed and one sack. He played 25-of-53 defensive snaps in Super Bowl XLIX, getting the start as the fifth defensive back. He also played 15-of-28 special teams snaps.
Arrington was set to make $3 million in salary in 2015 and $3.5 million in salary in 2016, per NFLPA records.
According to Reiss, it’s possible Arrington could return to New England, ostensibly at a lower salary. However, Arrington could also draw interest from other clubs, given his ability to help in multiple phases.
The release of Arrington continues an offseason of significant change in the New England secondary. New England lost cornerbacks Darrelle Revis (Jets) and Brandon Browner (Saints) in free agency and also waived corner Alfonzo Dennard. The moves leave holdovers Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler and free-agent additions Bradley Fletcher (Eagles) and Chimdi Chekwa (Raiders) as among the primary options at cornerback.