The New England Patriots have released veteran running back Leon Washington and defensive back Marquice Cole.

Washington joined the Patriots during the off-season after he was released by the Seattle Seahawks despite having made the Pro Bowl last year.

The 31-year-old finished last season with the second-highest kickoff return yard average in the NFL, but a mixture of competition in the running back position and the emergence of LeGarrette Blount as a potential kickoff returner resulted in him being deemed surplus to requirements.

Cole, meanwhile, has also been cut having spent a year with the franchise, playing in 14 games last season.

The 29-year-old played mostly as a cornerback but also appeared at safety on a number of occasions.