Report: Donte Stallworth Released by Patriots

The Patriots’ receiver picture came into focus a little more on Monday morning.

ProFootballTalk.com reports that the Pats have cut wide receiver Donte Stallworth.

The veteran wideout — who spent the 2007 season in New England — was brought in this offseason to compete for a coveted spot as one of Tom Brady‘s receivers. He had five catches for 61 yards in his three preseason games with the Patriots thus far.

This may mean that Deion Branch has locked up a roster spot after battling it out with the likes of Stallworth and fellow veteran Jabar Gaffney. Branch looked especially effective in the Pats’ second preseason game against Philadelphia, catching three passes for 51 yards. Meanwhile, Gaffney hasn’t played since the first preseason tilt, as he continues to battle an injury.

The release of Stallworth continues a busy start to the week for the Patriots, who also reportedly signed tight end Aaron Hernandez to a long-term contract on Monday.