The release of linebacker Rosevelt Colvin, at training camp last summer, saves the Patriots money under the salary cap.

The Providence Journal / Bob Breidenbach

The New England Patriots ensured that their linebacking corps will have a distinctly different look next season by releasing veteran Rosevelt Colvin.

Also let go was Oscar Lua, a linebacker drafted in the seventh round last year but who missed the season after suffering a right knee injury during training camp.

The 30-year-old Colvin was in the final year of the six-year free-agent contract he signed with New England in 2003. He was due to count $7.6 million against the salary cap. The Pats will save $5.5 million against the cap (the amount of Colvin’s base salary) with the move.

A call to Colvin’s agent, Kennard McGuire, was not returned. But McGuire is not known for renegotiating his clients’ contracts. New England may have asked Colvin to rework his deal, and if he balked, cut him. But one league source said the Patriots may be eyeing a move to the 4-3 defense from the 3-4, utilizing the team’s strength on the defensive line. The team could choose an outside linebacker in the draft (they pick at number seven), use Adalius Thomas in the middle, as he was for much of the season last year, and keep Pro Bowl selection Mike Vrabel on the outside.

On Nov. 25 against the Eagles, Colvin suffered a season-ending foot injury. It was the second significant injury he suffered with New England. Just two games into his career with the Pats, he fractured his left hip, a difficult injury that involved a lengthy rehabilitation.

It is unknown how much attention Colvin will get on the open market. Though he surely will not make what he was scheduled to make with the Pats.

With Colvin now gone and Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau undecided about their playing futures (both are free agents, as well), New England currently has Vrabel, Thomas, Pierre Woods, Eric Alexander and T.J. Slaughter under contract at the position. Special-teams star Larry Izzo, who has reached a verbal agreement on a deal with the team, is technically a linebacker, as well.

Colvin played in 61 games for New England, recording 203 tackles, 26 ½ sacks, one interception, six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.

smanza@projo.com