Matt Dunham/Associated Press

After starting each of the team's first four games this season, cornerback Antonio Cromartie was released by the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday.

The Colts announced Cromartie's release on their official website.

Cromartie spoke about the decision on Instagram:

The Colts added Cromartie late in the preseason, signing the veteran cornerback in August when Vontae Davis was out with an ankle injury.

In the Colts' four games this season, Cromartie tallied 14 tackles and two passes defensed.

Cromartie, a four-time Pro Bowler, has seen his performance drop sharply since 2014. Per Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus, Cromartie allowed an NFL-worst 18.8 yards per reception among cornerbacks who were targeted at least 40 times last season.

Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus noted Cromartie was called for three defensive penalties and gave up a touchdown to Allen Robinson in the Colts' loss against Jacksonville on Sunday.

The 32-year-old Cromartie generated minimal interest as a free agent in the offseason before the Colts came calling, and the 2006 first-round pick's career is nearing its end.

NFL teams will need help during the season as players struggle and injuries pile up. Cromartie has plenty of experience to warrant getting a call, but his performance over the past two seasons doesn't indicate he'll be a starting-caliber player again.