The Patriots could say goodbye to Brandon Browner very soon

With all the talk of Devin McCourty and Darrelle Revis, it seems we've overlooked the contract situation with another member of the Patriots' secondary.

Brandon Browner.

The former Seahawk was signed last offseason and played a key role in the team's Super Bowl run. However, with a big contract for Revis looming, the Pats are looking to cut costs. According to the Boston Herald's Jeff Howe, that may start with Browner.

Herald:

The Patriots have until today to decide on Browner's team option for the 2015 season. However, the Patriots would like to restructure the contract and have allowed Browner to explore his value around the league, according to another team source.

If the Patriots exercise Browner's option, he would count $4.8 million against the cap, but he would also earn a $2 million roster bonus tomorrow. If they decline the option, they would save $4.8 million against the cap without any dead money because Browner didn't receive a signing bonus last year.

The team would likely try to re-sign Browner if they did release him, but it wouldn't be easy. $4.8 million is a bargain for a corner of his talent. The team signed him last year at a discount because he was suspended for the first five games of the 2014 season. Given the average salary for a top corner, Browner could potentially haul in $7-$8 million on the open market. A release would be kissing him goodbye forever.

The Pats have until 4pm tomorrow to excercise Browner's option.