Patriots release corner Alfonzo Dennard

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Alfonzo Dennard's up-and-down tenure with the Patriots has come to an end, as the team released him before the start of his fourth professional season in New England.

Drafted in the seventh round in 2012, Dennard played in 33 total games for the Patriots over three seasons. He made 90 tackles and had five picks -- including one in a Week 1 loss to the Dolphins last season -- in 29 regular-season games. He also played in four playoff games between 2012 and 2013 and he picked off two passes in last year's Divisional Round win over the Colts. 

With the signings of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, it appeared as though Dennard had little game-day value to the Patriots last year. He played in just six games and was placed on season-ending injured reserve before New England's final regular-season game with the Bills. 

Dennard was scheduled to make $1.54 million in salary this season and he had a cap hit of $1.56 million. By releasing him before June 2, the Patriots will save about $1 million against the cap.

Dennard's career with the Patriots started on somewhat shaky ground. He was arrested just prior to the 2012 draft for assaulting a Nebraska police officer outside a bar. Many had expected him to be a Day 2 draft pick, but he slid all the way to the final round. 

He was eventually convicted of felony assault in 2013 and sentenced to 30 days in jail. He was also given two years of probation. Then, in the summer of 2013, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and given an additional 30 days of jail time. He served 35 days of his 60-day sentence before the start of the 2014 season, and he was released for good behavior and time served.

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