The emergence of Laurence Maroney made Corey Dillon expendable. The Patriots on Friday released Dillon, who shared time in the backfield with Maroney last season and rushed for 812 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns. The move will save the Patriots $2 million under the salary cap. Dillon, 32, spent three seasons with New England and set the franchise's single-season record with 1,635 rushing yards in 2004, when the Pats won their second straight Super Bowl and third in four seasons.