The Patriots will release Brandon Lloyd


Wow, this was kind of expected all along, but there were reports he was restructuring his deal. The two needed to agree by 4 pm on a new deal, otherwise Lloyd would take up around $4.6 mill of the cap ($1.6 mill salary, $3 million option).

If Lloyd is being released as Jeff Howe has been told, then it's obvious that they didn't in time. Lloyd could return however if the two sides can work out a new deal. The Patriots just didn't want to pick up that option.

The receiver actually had a fairly decent season in New England (74 catches, 911 yards, 4 TDs), despite drawing the ire of many fans. He certainly wasn't the deep threat they needed, but he did give the team a presence on the outside. There were many reports of some odd behavior by the receiver which caused some to wonder if he would be released. For a guy that's been on six teams in 10 years, about to be seven, that's not surprising.

Since letting Wes Welker go in free-agency, the Patriots have signed Danny Amendola, Donald Jones and have had Emmanuel Sanders, a restricted free-agent, in for a visit. Sanders apparently has an offer sheet to sign but the team is waiting so that it will be harder for Pittsburgh to match.

After yesterday's report, it was expected that Lloyd was part of the Patriots plans after all, but when you can't agree on a new deal, this tends to happen.