INDIANAPOLIS -- According to Corey Dillon's agent, Steve Feldman, the Patriots have agreed to release the running back March 2, the first day of the NFL year. Feldman said yesterday he still plans to explore offers for Dillon, despite Dillon's comments about planning to retire.
In releasing Dillon, the Patriots are expected to use a new part of the collective bargaining agreement that allows teams to release players before June 1, but still declare them a June 1 cut for salary cap purposes.
In that scenario, the Patriots would save about $2.5 million on their 2007 salary cap. Had Dillon returned under his present contract, he would have counted $4.4 million against the cap.
Regardless of whether a player retires or is released, the salary cap charge is the same.
NFL coaches reflected on Dillon's career yesterday, a day after he said he was asking the Patriots for his release and planning to retire.
