Brian Waters not showing, Pats want him to take pay cut
Brian Waters‘ name plate has been removed from his stall in the Patriots’ locker room, so any speculation that he could return should just about come to an end. The two sides have been at an impasse over money. Waters is under contract for $1.4 million this season, but the team would prefer him to play for the veteran minimum, which would serve as a $500,000 pay cut. Plus, the veteran minimum only counts as $450,000 against the salary cap, so that’s even more appealing for the Patriots, who could save nearly $1 million on that side.
So there's our reason! You can pretty much count on Waters not playing for the Patriots this season.
The Pats apparently want Waters to take a pay cut, and they also aren't convinced how committed he is. Waters is insulted by the Pats request and also wants to stay closer to his family.
Though considering that Waters skipped OTAs, mini camp, training camp and preseason a pay cut is probably a little understandable.
The only thing keeping fans and media members thinking Waters was coming back this long was the fact that his locker was still in tact, and after it was cleaned out, that the name plate was still there. Well, that's all gone now. Don't count on Waters coming back.
The pro bowl guard would have solidified the right side of the Patriots offensive line again this season. The Patriots o-line now remains a huge question mark heading into the 2012 season.
