Valentine had that knee injury (an excuse Sow doesn't have); at the time I thought the Patriots gave up on him way too soon. I was thinking that maybe he had a setback in rehabbing from the injury, infection from the surgery, whatever. I felt he played really well as a rookie and after that first season was confident he would be a good player for a long time. Was completely wrong on that one.
But yeah, it's as if he got his signing bonus and two years of salary and he just figured that he was all set. Never played another down after the Patriots waived him. Truly disappointing career given that start, and for a third round pick.
Vincent Valentine contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history
overthecap.com
Career Earnings: $1,839,361