Terrance Knighton Cut by Patriots: Latest Comments and Reaction

Four months after signing with the New England Patriots, veteran defensive tackle Terrance Knighton has been cut.

Knighton confirmed the move on Twitter on Monday:

ESPN.com's Mike Reiss provided a statement from Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the decision:

Knighton didn't play in New England's preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on Friday. After the game, he acknowledged that gave him cause for concern, per Reiss:

"

You're always concerned when you're not playing. I prepared myself to play, the coaches made the decisions on who they wanted to play, and I'm not going to ask any questions or make any excuses or look for any explanation. I'm just going to get dressed, get back on the plane and see what happens.

"

Playing primarily out of a 4-3 base defense, the Patriots have a wealth of options at defensive tackle. Alan Branch and Malcom Brown project as the two inside starters. Markus Kuhn and Vincent Valentine were competing with Knighton throughout this preseason for reps off the bench.

Knighton was a key piece of the Denver Broncos defense in 2013 and 2014. He was a dominant presence in Denver's win over the Patriots in the AFC title game three years ago, with Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus giving him a 5.6 overall grade.

Last season with Washington, Knighton struggled to play at a consistently high level. His ideal role is as a two-down run-stopper who can occasionally be used to draw blockers and open up the edges for pass-rushers.

The Patriots prize versatility in their defensive scheme, which is a quality Knighton is not known for.

Finding a home before the season could be difficult, as teams are working to get their rosters down to 75 players and have until Sept. 3 to get down to 53. Knight, aka Pot Roast, is still a useful player on a defense with a strong pass-rushing presence that needs help plugging the middle of the line.