FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) – The New England Patriots did not exercise their option on running back Antowain Smith on Sunday, making the team’s best runner an unrestricted free agent.

A seven-year veteran, Smith signed a five-year, $22 million dollar deal with the Patriots in March 2002 after helping the team win the Super Bowl after the 2001 season.

“In his three seasons with the Patriots, Antowain played a significant role in our team’s overall success,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. “He is a true professional. On behalf of the entire organization, we wish him continued success in the future.”

Smith, 31, has been the Patriots’ leading rusher for the last three seasons. He scored a key touchdown in the team’s Super Bowl win against Carolina last week.

Smith played four seasons for the Buffalo Bills before signing with the Patriots as a free agent in June 2001. The Alabama native was a first-round draft pick in 1997 after playing at the University of Houston.

Last season, Smith rushed for 642 yards, leading the team in rushing for his third consecutive season. He has rushed for a career total of 5,713 yards and 47 touchdowns on 1,481 carries.

A message left for Smith’s agent was not immediately returned.