The 29th overall pick last year had been struggling with a nagging knee injury off and on this season – lingering effects from his 2013 ACL tear while at Florida.
He had 10 tackles, one sack, and an interception in 11 games this season for the Patriots. His last appearance was against San Diego, playing just nine snaps.
Though the Patriots will be without their most recent top draft pick, they figured from the beginning Easley would be a long term project.
