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FILE - In this Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, file photo, New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) is tripped up by Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart (26) during the first half of an NFL football game in Denver. Bennett is still coming to terms with how his Green Bay tenure ended. But he says being back in familiar surroundings is helping him to deal with it. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
FILE - In this Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, file photo, New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) is tripped up by Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart (26) during the first half of an NFL football game in Denver. Bennett is still coming to terms with how his Green Bay tenure ended. But he says being back in familiar surroundings is helping him to deal with it. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Report: Martellus Bennett to Be Released by New England Patriots

Tyler ConwayMar 7, 2018

Martellus Bennett may return to football for the 2018 season, but it apparently won't be with the New England Patriots.

Field Yates of ESPN reported the Patriots will cut the veteran tight end.

Bennett, 30, split the 2017 season with the Patriots and Green Bay Packers. New England claimed Bennett on waivers after he was a surprising midseason cut in Green Bay.

In seven games with the Packers, Bennett recorded just 24 receptions for 233 yards without a touchdown while dealing with a shoulder issue. He played only two games with the Patriots before being placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Before the NFL trade deadline in October, Bennett indicated he was considering stepping away from the NFL after the 2017 season.

"After conversations with my family, I'm pretty sure these next eight games will be the conclusion of my NFL career," Bennett wrote in anย Instagram story. "To everyone that has poured themselves and time into my life and career. These next games are for you. Thank you."

The Patriots will save $6.19 million on their cap by cutting Bennett now. He had signed a three-year, $21 million contract with Green Bay before the 2017 season, which came after a stellar one-year stint in New England. Taking advantage of being the top tight end following an injury to Rob Gronkowski, Bennett hadย 55 receptions for 701 yards and seven touchdowns in 2016.

His release is the second piece of Bennett brothers news Wednesday. The Seattle Seahawks traded defensive end Michael Bennett and aย seventh-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a fifth-round pick andย wide receiver Marcus Johnson, perย ESPN'sย Adam Schefter.

George Lombard Jr. 1st HR ๐Ÿคฉ