The New England Patriots have released wide receiver Chad Ochocinco according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
 The Patriots released Chad Ochocinco after a disappointing 2011 season. (FILE:Icon/SMI) |
Several reports say the team tried trading him, but were unable to find any suitors by the transaction deadline at 4 PM on Thursday afternoon.
The 34-year-old receiver was traded from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Pats last July. Unfortunately for Chad, the team and Patriots fans, that as the highpoint of his time in New England.
Ochocinco caught just 15 passes for 276 yards and a touchdown in 2011. He was paid a reported $5.75 million last season.
After being released, he posted this statement on his Twitter account @Ochocinco:
"Thoroughly enjoyed the oppurtunity to play for the "Patriot" organization... fans were f****** wicked awesome, I wish all of you the best..."
Even though it never worked out with the Patriots, I am definitely disappointed he was released. No question this was a move that had to be made by the Patriots - you cannot keep a guy on the roster just because he is a good person - nevertheless, it's hard to believe the situation worked out the way it did.
With the departure of Ocho and the release of Anthony Gonzalez last week, the Patriots now have 10 wide receivers under contract. Here is a list of the wideouts fighting for a roster spot.
1. Wes Welker
2. Brandon Lloyd
3. Deion Branch
4. Jabar Gaffney
5. Julian Edelman
6. Matthew Slater
7. Donte' Stallworth
8. Jeremy Ebert
9. Britt Davis
10. Matt Roark
Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me:@PatriotsHaven!
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