Jerod Mayo

Patriots' Jerod Mayo a candidate to be cut this offseason

New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo has likely played his final game with the team, according to ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss.

What It Means:

The Patriots can clear $7 million in cap space by releasing their No. 4 linebacker. That number jumps to $8 million if he's designated as a post-June 1 cut. Mayo was placed on injured reserve after injuring his shoulder in the Divisional Round. He turns 30 in February.

With Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Jonathan Freeny ahead of him on the depth chart, Mayo is a very expensive backup. Mayo did play in all 16 regular season games this year after playing in a total of 12 games in 2013 and 2014.