Teams around the NFL have been cutting players -- some of them high-profile -- to save space under the salary cap, and today the Patriots joined that list, letting go of Kelley Washington and Billy Yates.

Washington was signed as a free agent before the 2007 season, but the receiver's main contributions came on special teams. Yates, a reserve interior lineman, started seven games last season.

The moves will save around $1.8 million against the salary cap.