Defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois will not be back with the Patriots.
Through his agency, the free agent 31-year-old announced he will not be returning to New England.
"I plan on continuing to play at the highest level," he said, via ESPN's Mike Reiss. "Hopefully I made a strong case for myself this past season. I did absolutely everything I could to help the Patriots during my short time there, and I learned that playbook immediately. It takes a special type of player and discipline to do that so quickly. My priority right now is to find a stable home where I can step in and make a similar impact for a few more seasons before I ride off into the sunset.
"… I'd like to thank Robert Kraft, Coach Belichick, Coach Patricia and the Patriots front office for allowing me to be a part of something that not a lot of players get the opportunity to do - play for the New England Patriots. Playing in Foxboro made me appreciate this game a lot more. Thank you to everyone there for giving me a great experience that I'll remember for the rest of my life."
In six games with the Patriots, he finished with six tackles, but was one of the better defensive tackles down the stretch. He jumped Alan Branch on the depth chart in the postseason, which is why some thought he would return for a second season in New England.
This leaves New England with Malcom Brown, Lawrence Guy, Adam Butler and Vincent Valentine as interior linemen. The Patriots could be in the market for another one to provide depth at the position, which was tested last year.