NFL
In a surprising move today the New England Patriots released veteran wide receiver, Kenny Britt. The Patriots signed Britt during the regular season last year. But Britt did not play a large role in the Pats’ offense over the season as he only caught two passes.
This is the second time in two years that Britt has been sent packing by his team. The Cleveland Browns cut him during the season after giving him a four-year $32.5 million contract. The Patriots would scoop him up quickly afterwards.
The timing of Britt’s release is surprising as there were high expectations for him entering camp. Most thought that he could beat out Philip Dorsett for the number two spot behind Chris Hogan during Julian Edelman’s suspension.
Which Patriots WR’s Will Benefit?
The team listed Britt as the fourth string receiver on the official depth chart. Julian Edelman is suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL substance abuse policy. This means that the Pats will trot out Chris Hogan as the number one receiver in Week 1.
With the release of Britt, Eric Decker will see more reps with the first and second team offenses. Philip Dorsett has most likely locked down his spot as the number two receiver during the absence of Edelman.
Speedster and return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson will most likely be the third receiver unless veteran Eric Decker can beat him out for that role. It is fair to wonder how much Decker has left in his tank at the age of 31.
Overall without Edelman, there is not very much talent in the Patriots’ receiving corp. The Patriots may look to outside options if they feel what they have isn’t good enough (Dez Bryant?)
Kenny Britt’s Player Profile
Britt was a four-star recruit coming out of high school. After turning down offers from higher-profile schools, he committed to Rutgers. After college Britt declared for the NFL Draft and was taken 30th overall by the Tennessee Titans.
Britt had multiple productive seasons before tearing his ACL and MCL during the 2011 season. He bounced back in the 2012 season with 589 yards. The 2012 season was his last with the Titans; he signed with the Rams in the following offseason.
He spent two unproductive seasons with the Rams before breaking out in 2016 compiling 68 catches for 1,002 yards and five touchdowns. The Rams released him after that season.
