Two members of the New England Patriots' offense were removed from the roster as wide receiver Brandon LaFell and tight end Scott Chandler saw their stints with the team end this week. 

In a report by ESPN, it was stated that the release of the two was not surprising since both were pushed further in the depth chart during the 2015 season. 

After starting in the majority of the games LaFell played in the 2014 season, his first year with the Pats, he only saw action in 11 games last season and started seven times. 

LaFell entered the season coming off an injury, which may have been the reason why he never regained his old form. The 29-year-old player only had 37 receptions for 515 yards and was unable to score a touchdown, the first time in his National Football League (NFL) career. 

Meanwhile, Chandler was only in his first year with New England during the 2015 season; unfortunately he failed to do enough to stay. 

The former Buffalo Bills backup played in 15 games (four starts) for the Patriots and had 23 receptions for 259 yards and four touchdowns.

ESPN added in its report that the Patriots saved around $4 million in their salary cap by letting go of LaFell and Chandler.

The move might have been accomplished for the Pats to have the cap space to re-sign players whom they believe are more beneficial to the organization's future success. It may also have to do with the upcoming free agency period which will begin on March 9. 

The Patriots are likely searching for pieces to boost their roster after a season in which they faced injuries to key players. 

These setbacks affected New England's campaign and it came up short in defending its 2014 championship. The Patriots fell to the defense-oriented Denver Broncos in the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship Game.