In a surprising move, the New England Patriots have cut former first round pick DT Dominique Easley. He was the No. 29 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Easley has battled injuries throughout his NFL career, but has shown promise when healthy. Had he not torn his ACL in his final season with the Florida Gators, Easley could have been a Top 15 selection. The news was first reported by CSN New England.
The release of Easley will actually cost the Patriots nearly $1 million. Easley had a $1.9 million cap hit this year, but his dead money is $2.9. That the Patriots are eating money is an indication that there might be another reason behind the release of Easley than his constant injury issues.
The release thins the Patriots defensive line depth, and they also moved Chandler Jones away in a deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Chris Long and Terrance Knighton were signed this offseason. Also on the roster are Malcom Brown, Alan Branch, Chris Jones, Ishmaa'ily Kitchen and Joe Vellano. Brown was a first round pick last season.
As for Easley, he should get another shot in the NFL. Of course that assumes he's healthy enough to keep playing and there isn't an off-the-field issue that hasn't been announced yet.
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