In the midst of yet another another major receiver shakeup in New England, the Patriots released Lloyd and relieved themselves of his near $5 million cap hit, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald.
Rumors surfaced earlier in the day that the Patriots signed Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Emmanuel Sanders to an offer sheet, though that report was later refuted.
However, Lloyd's departure could pave the way for the Patriots' going after Sanders. New England signed former St. Louis Rams receiver Danny Amendola and ex-Bills wideout Donald Jones last week as Wes Welker made his exit to the Denver Broncos.
The 31-year-old Lloyd hauled in 74 catches for 911 yards and four touchdowns as a Patriot last season. He probably won't be on the market for long, despite his well-advertised personality issues.
Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily
