Patriots release big signing Jonathan Fanene

WEEI.com

The Patriots announced Tuesday afternoon they have released defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene, offensive lineman Kyle Hill and kicker Chris Koepplin.

Fanene was signed by the Patriots as an unrestricted free agent from Cincinnati on March 20. One of the team's highest-profile offseason additions -- he signed a $3.85 million deal -- he was reportedly battling a knee injury throughout the summer, and struggled to stay on the field. A veteran of seven NFL seasons with the Bengals, the 6-foot-4, 285-pounder originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick by Cincinnati in 2005 out of Utah. He has registered 12.5 sacks in his last two full NFL seasons with 6.5 in 2011 and 6.0 in 2009. Fanene was limited to two games in 2010 due to an injury.

Fanene missed 13 practices and John Clayton of ESPN reports that he will likely have his knee scoped. That gives some indication of why the Patriots made this move, but still the team gave him a lot of money in the off-season to just release him - with a 3 year $9.85 million deal and a $3.98 million signing bonus. The move is surprising considering that.

Fanene had been impressive by all accounts in the time he did play. However, with him missing so much time and the impressive play of those filling his spot, especially Ron Brace, the Patriots probably felt like the team would be fine enough without him.

The Patriots have 85 players on the roster currently, they must cut that to 75 by next Monday.