New England is releasing defensive end Adrian Clayborn, a move that clears about $4 million in cap space for the defending champion Patriots.
Clayborn, 30, broke the news Friday morning on Twitter and thanked the Patriots for granting his release.
“I’m ready for this next chapter,” he said.
Clayborn was due to count $5.94 million against the cap and New England will have $2 million in dead money with this move.
Clayborn, who signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Patriots last March, tallied 11 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 14 games in 2018.
Tampa Bay’s first-round pick in 2011, Clayborn played four seasons with the Buccaneers and three with the Atlanta Falcons before joining New England.
In 95 career games, he has 32.5 sacks, 178 tackles and eight forced fumbles.