The New England Patriots of reportedly released wide receiver Brandon LaFell as he failed to live up to expectations in 2015. LaFell was supposed to be counted on as a quality backup receiver and could not catch a ball for the majority of the season, and he only recorded 37 receptions and 515 yards after having a spectacular 2014.
In his first year with the Patriots he racked up 74 receptions, 953 yards, and seven touchdowns, which makes his performance this season even more disappointing. LaFell is about to turn 30 and the Patriots can easily save $2.6 million releasing him, making him an expendable member of this thin Patriots receiving corps. LaFell spent the entire beginning of the 2015 season on the PUP list with a foot ailment.
This may have slowed him down as a receiver, but it cannot be an excuse for how many balls he dropped in 2015. LaFell ended the season tied for the sixth most drops in the league and he didn't even play a full season. It can even be argued that if LaFell caught a few more passes, the Patriots could be standing here as Super Bowl Champions.
When a team as thin at wide receiver as the Patriots releases you, it is not a good look for the rest of your career. The Patriots will likely use the extra cap space to sign some younger wide receivers. The Patriots also released tight end Scott Chandler, who was a bit more effective than LaFell this season.
Chandler, who is also 30, had a modest 2015 season. He was primarily a red zone target, recording four touchdowns on the season. He filled in especially well when Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola went down with injuries, forcing him to step up.
He recorded 23 receptions, but four of them went for touchdowns. He also averaged 11.3 yards per reception, and after only starting in four games this season his output is rather impressive. Between the two, Chandler should have an easier time finding a new franchise to call home. LaFell's skills seem a bit too degraded at this point in his career for another team to take a chance on him.
