


The Patriots have released outside linebacker Yannick Ngakoue, the team announced Tuesday.
Ngakoue, 29, played in six games for the Patriots after being claimed off waivers last month. He finishes his New England tenure with nine tackles and one unofficial QB hit. The Patriots became the seventh team Ngakoue has played for over his eight-year career, which began in Jacksonville as a third-round rookie in 2016.
Ngakoue now heads back to waivers, where he landed after originally being released by the Ravens on Nov. 7. He can now join a contender, while the Patriots head into Sunday’s season finale looking to play younger players against the Bills.
Without Ngakoue, the Pats are down to Keion White, Deatrich Wise, Anfernee Jennings, Titus Leo and Jahlani Tavai among possible edge defenders. Tavai also plays off-ball linebacker, where he’s started most of this season. Sunday’s kickoff against Buffalo is set for 1 p.m. in Foxboro.