The New England Patriots have cut ties with veteran wide receiver Michael Jenkins as they continue to search for reliable downfield targets for quarterback Tom Brady.

Jenkins, 31 was signed in March and caught 40 passes for 449 yards and two touchdowns last season for the Minnesota Vikings. A former Atlanta Falcons first-round draft pick, Jenkins has 354 career catches for 4,427 yards yards and 25 touchdowns.

Jenkins' deal had no guaranteed money: $840,000 base salary, $15,000 workout bonus, $570,000 salary-cap figure under minimum salary benefit.

He failed to crack the starting lineup in New England where Danny Amendola and Aaron Dobson are the top two receivers currently.

The Patriots also cut veteran wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins since the start of camp.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.