Nate Washington: 3 ripple effects of Patriots releasing WR

Patriots release Nate Washington: 3 ripple effects

Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Nate Washington (84) makes the catch against Chicago Bears Joel Ross (22) in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Bears 23-22. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jun 7, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots receiver Malcolm Mitchell looks on during mini camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Malcolm Mitchell will be the “X” man.

With Julian Edelman manning the “Z” role and Chris Hogan and Danny Amendola figuring to be the slot receivers, there is really only one job left for a regular contributor, the “X” spot. Now that Washington has been slashed, it looks more likely than not that this is a battle between Malcolm Mitchell and Aaron Dobson, a competition which Mitchell appears to be winning.

19 days until kickoff: Profiling No. 19 Malcolm Mitchell

The smart money is on Edelman, Amendola, Hogan and Mitchell making the team as roster locks, while Devin Lucien, Chris Harper, DeAndre Carter, Keshawn Martin and Dobson battle it out for the fifth and final spot. Lucien and Carter will get cut or make the practice squad (more on that in a second), making it a three-man race between Harper, Martin and Dobson. Now it’s pretty clear to see why the Patriots cut ties with Washington.

Next: 2. Lucien and Carter are next to go

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