The Cincinnati Bengals have released veteran wide receiver Brandon LaFell, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The Bengals are cutting WR Brandon LaFell, his agent Jonathan Feinsod tells me. “We have been lobbying for his release for some time now and appreciate the Bengals granting our request,” Feinsod said.

LaFell, 31, spent the last two seasons with Cincinnati. He played all 32 games (29 starts) in two years as the No. 2 wideout alongside A.J. Green and recorded 116 catches for 1,410 yards and nine touchdowns. However, his production dipped across the board last season as he finished with just 52 catches for 548 yards and three touchdowns.

Garafolo notes that Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said LaFell was “feeling the heat” of the other receivers on the roster. John Ross — the team’s No. 9 overall pick last season — is in line for a bigger role in the offense after an injury-hit rookie year.

Prior to his stay in Cincy, LaFell spent two seasons with the New England Patriots. In fact, LaFell had a career year with the Pats in 2014 as he had 74 catches, 953 yards, and seven touchdowns — all personal bests.

With LaFell released, New England now could be a potential landing spot for the veteran free agent, especially after their release of Jordan Matthews following a hamstring injury. The Patriots had previously worked out veteran wideout Eric Decker.