Tim Wright Released by Patriots: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The New England Patriots' shuffling of the tight end position behind starter Rob Gronkowski continued Thursday as the organization released backup Tim Wright. The team announced the move later Thursday. 

Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1 was the first to report the news.

Garafolo is also reporting that the 25-year-old pass-catcher will have to clear waivers before becoming a free agent:

That means some tight end-needy teams will have a shot at securing Wright, who is just two years removed from nabbing 54 passes for 571 yards with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Pats needed to make a move at tight end since they had a glut of players at that position prior to parting ways with Wright. They signed Scott Chandler, formerly of the Buffalo Bills, and former Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis. They also drafted AJ Derby out of Arkansas and still have Michael Hoomanawanui on the roster.

Per Mike Clay of Pro Football Focus, New England's tight end picture has become much clearer now that Wright is gone:

While Wright caught only 26 passes last year, he was a factor in the red zone with six touchdown receptions. He also saw the field quite often due to the Patriots' penchant for running multiple-tight end sets.

Following the 2014 regular season, head coach Bill Belichick was complimentary of Wright, but he acknowledged that he was still learning as well, according to Dan Duggan of NJ.com:

"

I think he's got good skills and he's certainly made some good plays for us this year. I think there's still some room for improvement. I think he gets better on a daily basis. He's a smart kid and he understands and takes coaching well. But again, there's a lot of volume, especially at that position. He's involved in every play—protections, hots, coverages, linebackers, sub defenses. There's just a lot of volume.

"

Despite Belichick's apparent affinity for Wright, he made the decision to move forward with the other options on the roster.

It shouldn't take Wright long to find a new home since he is a pass-catching threat at a position that is becoming increasingly more valuable. Even if he develops into a quality player elsewhere, though, the Pats can rest easy knowing that they still have the best tight end in the game in the form of Gronk.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.