FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The longtime New England Patriots area scout who played an instrumental role in identifying overlooked cornerback Malcolm Butler at West Alabama won’t be back with the team in the 2016 season.

In news that reverberated through parts of the scouting community at the NFL combine in Indianapolis in recent days, league sources relayed that the Patriots informed Frantzy Jourdain they won’t be renewing his expiring contract.

Jourdain has spent the past 13 seasons with the club. The personable University of Rhode Island alum is well-liked in the scouting community, with his work scouting Butler reflective of some of the contributions he’s made to the team over his tenure.

With former Patriots director of pro scouting Bob Quinn in his first year as Detroit Lions general manager, and former New England director of college scouting Jon Robinson in his first season as Tennessee Titans general manager, it could create opportunities for those with Patriots ties such as Jourdain.