Report: Patriots Release Marcus Stroud

by Greg Knopping on Jul 28, 2011 10:49 AM EDT in New England Patriots News

On the day that the New England Patriots reportedly made a trade for a big name defensive lineman (Albert Haynesworth), they have released another. According to a tweet from Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald, the Patriots have released veteran defensive lineman Marcus Stroud.

In his tweet, Rapoport mentioned that Stroud was being released because his "shoulder had not healed."

As you probably remember, the Patriots first signed back on March 1st. The Patriots signed him to a two year, $2.9 million contract. He was due just $1.2 million in 2011 and $1.8 million in 2012. While Stroud likely would have made for some solid camp competition, with the addition of Albert Haynesworth, the Patriots only had so much room for veteran defensive lineman, especially if they wanted to keep a younger player on the roster such as Brandon Deaderick.

In addition, the Stroud release should give the Patriots a little extra cap space to work with, as the team needs to absorb the contract of Albert Haynesworth, sign the rest of its rookies, and work to re-sign their own free agents as well as possibly acquire some outside help.

Update: Shalise M. Young of the Boston Globe has tweeted that "there's been no transaction with Marcus Stroud at this time...also have been told he's here at Gillette." My interpretation: the team may be placing him on the PUP list or IR instead of outright releasing him. After all, he is on a two year contract.

Update 2: Ian Rapoport has confirmed his story by talking to Stroud himself. So that concludes it: Stroud is done in New England.

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Well, there we go.

Haynesworth is the #2 now. I’d still like to see what he can do at the DE spot though.

Shawn Camp earned my dog several beatings back in 2007

by wtbudlight on Aug 30, 2010 5:54 PM PDT

by IntrepidX on Jul 28, 2011 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

yep yep.

I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP

by Jack'sAxe on Jul 28, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions

So

He wasn’t actually released?

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by ISN on Jul 28, 2011 11:41 AM EDT reply actions

I don't think we'll know until the waiver wire comes out today

I would say he’s probably released. But if not, he’ll end up on PUP or IR

by Greg Knopping on Jul 28, 2011 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Great.

Not really.

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by ISN on Jul 28, 2011 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions

If Stroud is released, BB and the PATS must be completely certain that Haynesworth is in shape and prepared to play unlessGerrard Warren is their insurance policy covering Haynesworth through camp and pre-season.

by OneOpinion on Jul 28, 2011 11:51 AM EDT reply actions

Word is Stroud isn't healthy right now

So I guess as mentioned the cap and health are leading factors here. Guy would have been great on the Pats I think

by JonnyNYC on Jul 28, 2011 12:02 PM EDT reply actions

I feel that haynesworthy is a GREAT acquisition. THIS is the inside pass rush the PATS have been needing. It will also lend wonderfully into a rotation where Ty Warren and perhaps Wilfork can get some plays off each game as a way to keep them fresher as the post season arrives.

I really like the youth movement on the DL: Brace, Pryor, and Deaderick. Those three create wonderful combination sub packages for BB, and they allow for the three major veterans to get some plays off. And, of course, Wright gives BB a fabulous tweener for further experitmentation.

by OneOpinion on Jul 28, 2011 12:09 PM EDT reply actions