Foxborough, MA – The New England Patriots released wide receiver Donald Jones less than a week before the start of training camp for veteran players.
The Patriots had signed Jones, who spent his first three pro seasons with AFC East rival Buffalo, in March to compete for a job in the team's revamped receiving corps. The Bills did not tender the 25-year-old a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent after he ended last season on the reserve/non- football illness list with an undisclosed condition.
Jones was having his best season prior to being sidelined, recording career highs of 41 catches, 443 receiving yards and four touchdowns over 12 games. Over 35 career contests, the former undrafted draft free agent compiled 82 receptions totaling 887 yards with six touchdowns.
The move currently leaves the Patriots with just four players -- offseason pickups Danny Amendola, Michael Jenkins and Lavelle Hawkins along with holdover Julian Edelman -- possessing notable experience at the wide receiver spots.
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