The New England Patriots have opted to forego the fifth-year options on three of its players, including the recently acquired defensive tackle Danny Shelton. Malcom Brown, defensive tackle, and Phillip Dorsett, wide receiver, were also informed that their options would not be picked up.
In a sense, the Patriots rent a player for a year to see how things play out. The team picks up a contract near its end for cheap to see how the player does. Near the end of the contract, the team declines the option and the player hits free agency looking for a payday.