The Patriots have released wide receiver Donte' Stallworth, reports ProFootballTalk.com.

After not playing until late in the fourth quarter in Friday's preseason loss in Tampa, his release does not come as a surprise. Fellow veteran Deion Branch had clearly won a training camp battle for the team's No. 3 receiver spot.

Teams must reduce their rosters to 75 players by 4 p.m. Monday, and letting Stallworth go now could allow him to hook on with another team before final cuts on Friday.

The 31-year old signed with the Patriots in March.