The New England Patriots have officially made a move prior to the start of the 2019 off-season. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team has parted ways with 29-year old tight end Dwayne Allen. Schefter reports that the team is still interested in bringing him back at a reduced cost.

Patriots have informed tight end Dwayne Allen that they are releasing him, per source. They have expressed an interest in signing him back for less money, but he will be free.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2019

Dwayne Allen Released by New England Patriots

Allen spent the past two seasons with the New England Patriots serving primarily as a blocking tight end. Throughout his two seasons in New England, the seven-year NFL veteran had accumulated 13 receptions for 113 yards and one touchdown. However, he was fantastic as a pass and run blocker, helping the Patriots appear in two straight Super Bowls while winning Super Bowl LIII.

This move was expected, as Allen had a $7.3 million cap hit in 2019, per Spotrac. Allen earned this number after restructuring his contract in the days leading up to the start of the 2018 season. Allen agreed to a pay cut prior to the 2018 season but didn’t set any guaranteed money in 2019.

As of this posting, this move leaves the Patriots with just Rob Gronkowski, Ryan Izzo and Jacob Hollister on the tight end depth chart. Gronkowski has not yet committed to playing in the 2019 season, and New England will try to bring Allen back at a reduced salary.

Allen initially entered the NFL as the Indianapolis Colts fourth-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Starting opposite fellow rookie Coby Fleener, Allen recorded 45 receptions for 521 yards and three touchdowns while starting in all 16 games. Unfortunately, he couldn’t build on his successful rookie year, as the tight end suffered a season-ending injury in the 2013 season opener. Allen returned to the field in 2014 but was never able to match the statistical production of his rookie year. Throughout the course of his career, Allen has recorded 139 receptions for 1,564 yards and 20 touchdowns.

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