Patriots release TE Gronkowski

Foxboro, MA – The New England Patriots released tight end Dan Gronkowski Friday.

Gronkowski was a seventh-round draft pick by the Detroit Lions in 2009 and spent 2010 with the Denver Broncos before signing with the Patriots on September 7 this year.

He appeared in each of New England's two games this season but did not record a catch. He has nine receptions for 69 yards in 16 career games with four starts.

His brother Rob remains on the Patriots as a tight end.