After spending Thursday trying to trade wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, the New England Patriots decided to release him, according to league sources.

The Patriots pushed trade conversations with other teams up to near the end of the day’s transaction deadline at 4 p.m. But despite conversations with other teams, there was not enough interest to make a deal.

Ochocinco’s biggest issue in New England was not his ability; it had more to do with his ability to pick up the Patriots playbook, which the veteran wide receiver struggled to do.

Earlier Thursday, there had been speculation that this was Ochocinco’s last day with the Patriots because the wide receiver left the training facility before the team’s OTA.

However, Ochocinco said later in the day he had not been released and simply was attending an eye doctor’s appointment.

Source: IFWT