The Patriots confirmed the release of Knighton, who was named to the NFL All Rookie team in 2009.

According to Knighton, this was to be expected, as he did not play in the Patriots preseason week three game against the Carolina Panthers.

“You’re always concerned when you’re not playing,” reasoned Knighton. “I prepared myself to play, the coaches made the decisions on who they wanted to play, and I’m not going to ask any questions or make any excuses or look for any explanation. I’m just going to get dressed, get back on the plane and see what happens.”

This is a time of the NFL offseason in which many players are aware of their mortality. All NFL teams must cut their rosters from 90 players to 75 by four o’clock p.m. on Tuesday.

Knighton signed a one year, $4.5 million deal with the Patriots, which made him a safe bet to make their regular season roster.

This is not the first time that the Patriots have signed an accomplished player to a respectable sized deal and cut him before the season began.

In 2015, the Patriots signed Super Bowl champion and six time NFL Pro Bowler, Reggie Wayne to a one year $3 million deal and released him as well.

According to reports, Knighton is expected to be signed by another team. He will make approximately $650 thousand from the deal he signed with the Patriots.