Patriots release Allen, save salary cap hit of $7.3M

The New England Patriots released tight end Dwayne Allen on Monday, saving the team a salary-cap hit of $7.3 million in 2019. ESPN's Josina Anderson reported that the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions were among the suitors showing preliminary interest in meeting with Allen, who was entering the final year of a four-year deal signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2016.

Allen, 29, caught three passes for 27 yards in 13 games last season for the Super Bowl champions, mostly filling a role as a blocking tight end. His most productive season as a pass-catcher came as a rookie in 2012 when he had 45 receptions for 521 yards and three touchdowns for the Colts. The Patriots acquired Allen in a trade in March 2017.

He had 13 catches in two seasons in New England, giving him 139 receptions in 86 career games (72 starts). ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote on Twitter last week that the Patriots have shown interest in bringing back Allen at a lower salary.

The Patriots also released wide receiver Darren Andrews on Monday. The rookie free agent out of UCLA spent last season on the reserve/non-football injury list. 

(With inputs from agencies.)