TE Kellen Winslow asks for, receives release from Patriots

Kraft talks to Winslow on Sunday night. (AP)

That was quick. Nine days after the Patriots and Kellen Winslow Jr. agreed to terms, the tight end asked for -- and received -- his release from the team, CBSSports.com has confirmed.

Winslow, who recorded one catch in New England's Sunday night loss to Baltimore, was absent from Thursday's practice. Turns out, that absence will be permanent. A source told CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora that Winslow asked for his release in the hopes of finding the right opportunity elsewhere.

The former first-round pick of the Browns played for Tampa Bay and most recently Seattle before the Seahawks released him a week before this season began. And although the Bucs shipped Winslow to the Pacific Northwest because he didn't fit new coach Greg Schiano's team-first style, the Seahawks cut ties with him because of his hefty contract and his history of injuries.

In seven NFL seasons, Winslow has 438 receptions for 4,848 yards and 23 touchdowns. The Patriots brought him in after losing Aaron Hernandez for 4-6 weeks to an ankle injury. One might have nothing to do with the other, but Hernandez was spotted without a walking boot Wednesday. That could be a sign that he's healing faster than expected.

There's also Patriots tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, who is on the IR/designated-to-return list, and is expected back at some point in the coming weeks, He would further crowd an already-crowded position.

Despite his brief appearance in New England, Winslow is still open to playing under the right circumstances, the source told La Canfora.

Meanwhile, Yahoo.com's Brian McIntyre tweets that Winslow made out well for just a few days' work.

Kellen Winslow was with the Patriots for 1 week. Earned $48,529 for 4 offensive snaps on Sunday night.

— Brian McIntyre (@brian_mcintyre) September 27, 2012

ESPN originally reported the story.

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