Malcolm Mitchell shares farewell message after his release from the Patriots

Yesterday, after an offseason filled with speculation and medical questions, the New England Patriots pulled the plug and released wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell. The move comes only two weeks after the team reportedly – and unsuccessfully – tried to trade the third-year man. Mitchell, of course, spent all of last year on injured reserve because of a knee injury and failed to hit the practice fields ever since.

That being said, he did pass his physical in New England and was released without an injury designation. As a result, he will become a regular unrestricted free agent if he passes through the waiver wire unclaimed. And while there is still a chance that he returns to the Patriots at a later point in time, the Malcolm Mitchell era appears to be over – at least for now.

Following his release yesterday, the 25-year old took to Instagram to share his thoughts and post a farewell to New England:

New England, thank you! My heart hurts, but I smile when thinking about all the love, support and patience you have given me. To the community this is not goodbye, it’s I’ll see you later. Go Pats!

Mitchell leaves the Patriots as one of the most promising wide receiver draft picks in recent years. He ends his career with the club with a combined 39 regular season and postseason receptions and played an important role in helping New England win Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons.