CALDWELL

FOXBORO — In a move that wasn’t all that surprising, the Patriots cut Reche Caldwell yesterday. The veteran was New England’s leading receiver last year but became a victim of numbers, his own cost and his limited areas of contribution.

A former second-round draft pick by San Diego, Caldwell signed a free-agent contract with New England before last season and shot up the depth chart after David Givens signed with Tennessee and Deion Branch was traded to Seattle. He wound up turning in a career regular season, with 61 catches for a team-high 760 yards and four touchdowns.

But when Moss, Wes Welker and Stallworth were brought into town — combined with the way Jabar Gaffney closed out last season with the Pats and Caldwell’s less-than-stellar performance in the AFC Championship Game — it became clear that someone would have to be let go.

Caldwell was scheduled to make more than $1.5 million in base salary this year, and does not play special teams.

Belichick seemed to give an indication that a move was coming during his news conference yesterday morning when he said, “I’m sure that by the time this week is over there will be some other” roster moves, and went on to say that it’s always tough to release players you’ve “been through the wars with.”

Moss’ health and the need for a roster spot in order to activate Asante Samuel to the 53-man likely played into the decision to let Caldwell go.

As a veteran with more than four years of service, had Caldwell been on the roster on Sunday, his entire contract would have become guaranteed, and New England would have been on the hook for the amount as termination pay.

— SHALISE MANZA YOUNG