Veteran WR Dontrelle Inman has requested his release from the Patriots

[captain stone]

If I were Bill and Inman requested his release, I would've told him: While we still have 2 more games to play? Feck that, I have players to protect...

And that would get out to every player in the league, and that would have a huge negative impact on future FA signings.

Since Inman isn't the first vet guy to do this, I have a feeling with these older players invited to TC for a tryout, the Pats/BB probably tell them, "Look, at any point if you think it's not working out, you can ask for your release and we'll give it to you," as part of the hook to get them here. It's a win/win, because we get some experience in TC for little $$, we might get a good player out of it if things click quickly, or if not, no hard feelings. On the player's side, you are in camp with a great team, (hopefully) showing you still have the goods, and even if things don't work out here, you have a better chance of hooking on elsewhere as you've shown you can still play (and the vaunted Patriots took a chance on you).

I don't believe that whether Bill releases vets early to find another job, or keeps them all the way to Cutdown Day, makes a dime's worth of difference regarding future vet free agent signings.

If Belichick was to tell a veteran who's asked for his release no because he's keeping him only to protect his important players, there's absolutely no way that doesn't get discussed among players and agents going forward.

I agree with PatsDeb's version: If Bill and an individual player (Dontrelle Outman, e.g.) had a handshake agreement prior to signing on the lines that are dotted regarding an early release, then that is a different matter entirely; I disagree that vet free agents should automatically expect to be released from their contracts here early simply because they feel that prospects for them are not good. I don't see any other teams doing this...

 

[Crazy Patriot Guy]

I agree with PatsDeb's version: If Bill and an individual player (Dontrelle Outman, e.g.) had a handshake agreement prior to signing on the lines that are dotted regarding an early release, then that is a different matter entirely; I disagree that vet free agents should automatically expect to be released from their contracts here early simply because they feel that prospects for them are not good. I don't see any other teams doing this...

I absolutely have no issue with Belichick not granting every player his instant release. But to your original point, if Bill told a veteran player he essentially has no use for him beyond needing to protect the bodies of the players that matter, I can't imagine that's something a player keeps to himself.

 

[Ring 6]

If that original post is what Bill told a veteran player word for word, you're saying that wouldn't have any kind of negative ripple effect?

The original post is made up.

 

[venecol]

Inman is better off as a Charger as he is likely to see way more attempts than he would have as a Patriot, had he made the 53. Probably see him again during the playoffs.

 

[Deus Irae]

Inman is better off as a Charger as he is likely to see way more attempts than he would have as a Patriot, had he made the 53. Probably see him again during the playoffs.

Chargers? The poor bastard! He'll be out for the season by week 4.