http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/football/patriots/view.bg?articleid=1376686&position=active
The Patriots [team stats] pulled a surprise move this morning, releasing veteran CB Leigh Bodden.
The former starter, who was to play the star position this year, signed a four-year, $22-million contract before 2010, and he will make $3.9 million from the Pats this year if hes not claimed.
After spending time in the locker room, its clear players were shocked. I heard it in the meeting and what, whoa. What? said one defensive starter. That summed it up.
Bodden was respected in the locker room, and hed had his big games (three picks against the Jets in 2009, for instance). According to ProFootballFocus.com, he allowed 12 receptions and one touchdown with four passes defended in 222 snaps this season.
But why was he released?
First of all, it doesnt sound like Bodden is too broken up about this, though I havent talked to him personally. From talking to those around him, he seems at peace. It is a complex move, and no one wants to be released. But Bodden will now have a chance to ply his trade for another team, and he still gets his paycheck. One can understand that.
Bodden battled injuries recently, missing last year with a torn rotator cuff and missing time this year with a thumb injury. He sat out the Raiders game with a groin injury, but when I asked him about it,it sounded more like a coachs decision. How do I know? Bodden told me with a shrug, Coachs decision. I dont know, man.
That was the first inkling that something was up. He looked great in the preseason, but wasnt playing particularly fantastic in the regular season. But that alone wasnt enough to send him packing.
The disconnect possibly came with Boddens role this year. Cornerback Devin McCourty is an outside corner, and it seems either rookie Ras-I Dowling or Kyle Arrington would fill the other spot outside. The team made this move, Im told, in part because they believed Dowling would be healthy enough to play. And Arrington has been a revelation, grabbing four interceptions.
Bodden didnt totally embrace the move to the star or slot corner position, and his lukewarm response was telling. He did it, he didnt cause trouble, but it was clear he didnt embrace it. When it was clear Bodden wasnt thrilled with what he was asked to do, it may have become an issue. If Bodden was going to sit on the bench and not play in the slot, thats a bad locker room move.
You cant have a veteran, making a ton of money, sitting on the bench. It runs the risk hell complain and be a divisive force. So, Bodden was released to go to a team who may use him differently.
And now, the Patriots move on.
