The Patriots officially released Willie McGinest yesterday rather than pay him a $3.5 million roster bonus due next week. A source close to McGinest yesterday confirmed that returning to New England remains his first choice, but the 12-year veteran linebacker has already drawn interest from the Jets, Dolphins, Cowboys, Browns and Chargers. As of yesterday, McGinest had not scheduled any visits with rival clubs. In an interview with ESPN Boston radio yesterday, team president Jonathan Kraft said the Pats released McGinest so soon as a sign of respect. They could have kept him into next week and limited his options as free agency dollars disappeared. ?I don?t want to speak for Bill (Belichick), but I think this is proof of the great relationship between the club and Willie,? Kraft said. ?Out of respect to the player, you let him go before the league year starts. I?m sure Bill has communicated to Willie how we feel and we?ll see where it takes us. It was really done more out of respect for Willie than disrespect.?