As expected, Willie McGinest became a salary-cap casualty today. The Patriots announced this morning they have released the 12-year veteran, who was scheduled to earn $3.5 million in salary in 2006 and would also have received a $3.5 million roster bonus this month.

The Patriots have expressed a willingness to retain McGinest at a lower salary, and McGinest has expressed a willingness to return. He may, however, draw interest in the free-agent market -- the Browns, coached by former Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, are one of the teams reportedly set to contact McGinest -- and he may be able to command a higher salary than New England is willing to pay.