Patriots Release LB Willie McGinest

The Patriots cut two-time Pro Bowler Willie McGinest.

The move came a day after an extension to the collective bargaining agreement was reached, raising the salary cap from $94.5 million to $102 million for the 2006 season.

The Patriots already were under the $94.5 million figure, but saved another $7 million by releasing McGinest.

McGinest, 34, is the NFL's all-time playoff leader with 16 sacks and set the single-game record with 4 1/2 sacks in a wild-card round victory over Jacksonville last January.