4:47pm: Chandler’s release comes with a failed physical designation, according to Reiss (on Twitter).
4:10pm: Two key cogs won’t be back with the Patriots in 2016. The Patriots cut Brandon LaFell and Scott Chandler, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter and Mike Reiss (on Twitter).
LaFell’s play last season did not match what he delivered for the Super Bowl champion Pats in 2014, with the 29-year-old receiver finishing with just 515 receiving yards and no touchdowns after beginning the season on the PUP list with a foot injury.
He was set to count for $3.675MM against New England’s cap. The Patriots will save $2.675MM of that figure with this transaction.
LaFell played a key role for the Patriots in 2014 after signing in New England on a three-year, $9MM deal. Prior to catching a touchdown pass in Super Bowl XLIX, LaFell established career highs across the board, hauling in 74 passes for 953 yards and seven touchdowns.
With Julian Edelman out last season, however, LaFell couldn’t provide the consistent option the Patriots needed as they slunk out of the No. 1 seed.
Chandler, who signed with the Patriots last year, recorded 259 yards and four TDs backing up Rob Gronkowski. Entering his age-31 season, Chandler was to count for $3.05MM against the Pats’ salary cap in 2016. The team saves $2.05MM of that total by cutting him.
These releases will increase the Patriots’ cap space to more than $10MM.
Photo courtesy USA Today Sports Images
I’m sure the panthers would love to have lafell back
They both had poor years and failed to deliver when the chips were down. The Pats will move on to better players.