The New England Patriots are cutting their roster down to 53 players and have made a major move. According to a report from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Patriots have released veteran wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.

This offseason, the Patriots signed Thomas in hopes that he could provide a boost to their passing game. The former Denver Broncos receiver began training camp on the PUP list. Thomas was gradually recovering from his torn Achilles that he suffered with the Houston Texans in 2018.

The veteran receiver recently made his return to the football field after recovering from the aforementioned injury that he sustained last year. Thomas impressed in the Patriots' preseason finale with seven receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns.

There will likely be many teams clamoring for Thomas' services after his recent performance. Thomas' release goes to show how much confidence they have in Josh Gordon, N'Keal Harry, and the other receivers in the offense to produce.

Along with Thomas, Gordon also made his return after being reinstated to the NFL following his indefinite suspension from last December. Julian Edelman is also working his way back to the lineup before Week 1. Brady's favorite target suffered a thumb injury that held him out for the majority of training camp.

During the preseason, undrafted rookie Jakobi Meyers turned some heads with 20 receptions and two touchdowns. Following Thomas' release, Meyers may be asked to have a decent-sized role in the aerial attack.

The Patriots are loaded at the receiver position and Thomas is paying the price for it. The 31-year old receiver shouldn't be in free agency for long.