New England Patriots release Steve Gregory

The New England Patriots have announced that they have released safety Steve Gregory after two seasons with the club.

The 31-year-old joined Bill Belichick's side in 2012 and was part of the team that reached the AFC championship game in back-to-back seasons.

However, due to his high salary cap number the Patriots have chosen to cut ties with the defensive back.

Gregory told ESPN: "I had a great time in New England and respect the organisation a lot. It was time well spent and I learned a lot.

"Obviously, you never want to get released from a team. There will be other opportunities and it's on good terms. The fans were great. The whole atmosphere out there was unbelievable. It was a great time of my life that I'll always remember."

Gregory had 79 tackles and one sack for the Patriots in the 2013 season.