/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46311558/usa-today-8469382.0.jpg)
According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, the New England Patriots have informed cornerback Kyle Arrington of his release. Arrington has been a member of the Patriots since 2009- six seasons- and is one of the last players out of the now-defunct Hofstra football program.
Arrington is considered one of the top slot corners in the league, but he's offered limited special teams value in recent seasons, and he's shown multiple times that he struggles when asked to move to the outside. His weaknesses were highlighted in the Super Bowl when he was beaten multiple times for large gains, before he was benched for Logan Ryan.
He was two seasons into a four-year deal he signed in 2013, and his release opens up a wide array of questions for how the Patriots will compensate in the secondary. Newly signed Robert McClain makes plenty of sense in that role, but don't count out Logan Ryan or for rookie Jordan Richards to push for playing time at the star position.
Reiss makes a point to note that this isn't good-bye for Arrington and that a potential return is still open. My belief is that a team would be thrilled to have Arrington as a leader in their secondary.
Thanks for your years of play, Kyle.