Patriots release Terrance Knighton

The New England Patriots released veteran defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, the player announced Monday on Twitter.

Knighton played no part in the Patriots' third preseason game last week, hinting that his future with the club was in question.

New England signed the 30-year-old this offseason, and he was thought to be a leading candidate to start in the center of the defensive line.

The Patriots have already paid Knighton $650,000 so far this offseason, reports Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, an amount that usually solidifies a player's position with the team.