Former New England Patriots cornerback Leigh Bodden cleared waivers Monday and is now free to sign wherever he likes as a free agent, according to a Tweet from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The rest of the league's decision not to claim Bodden now leaves the Patriots on the hook for the about $2 million he is owed for the remainder of the season, during which he will be paid $3.9 million total. The 30-year-old Bodden, signed a four-year, $22 million contract prior to the 2010 season, but missed all of last season with a shoulder injury.

He was released Friday because the team was not pleased with his performance in the slot cornerback role he was asked to switch to and because the coaching staff felt Bodden never really bought into the switch. Bodden played in five games this season, made 17 tackles and deflected four passes.

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