Walt Coleman
http://www2.csc.ne.jp/~moogie/ref/065Coleman.jpg
The New England Patriots were able to clear roughly $3.5 mil in cap space today when they released the long standing veteran Walt Coleman. Coleman, a Patriot veteran since 2001, recieved news from his agent that the organization has chosen to move in a different direction. Assitant GM Scott Pioli was said to have contacted Coleman's agent in prior weeks seeking a restructured deal, but Coleman balked at the notion stating, "I don't see why I should have to take a paycut. I showed up every sunday just like everybody else." Coleman's agent is confident his client will draw alot of interest on the market since it is still early in the free agency process.
Head coach Bill Belichick cited he wish Coleman could have been retained at a lower price, "but in this day and age of the salary cap, you have to be able to make tough decisions that are best for the entire organization." Surely Walt Coleman's leadership and presence in the lockerroom will be missed, but as Willie McGinest states, "everybody in this lockerroom is just going to have to stepup to make up for this loss."
Noteworthy: Terry McAulay and Walt Anderson are due in next week for Free Agent visits. http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/08-01/08-31-01/0831ref.jpg
http://www2.csc.ne.jp/~moogie/ref/065Coleman.jpg
The New England Patriots were able to clear roughly $3.5 mil in cap space today when they released the long standing veteran Walt Coleman. Coleman, a Patriot veteran since 2001, recieved news from his agent that the organization has chosen to move in a different direction. Assitant GM Scott Pioli was said to have contacted Coleman's agent in prior weeks seeking a restructured deal, but Coleman balked at the notion stating, "I don't see why I should have to take a paycut. I showed up every sunday just like everybody else." Coleman's agent is confident his client will draw alot of interest on the market since it is still early in the free agency process.
Head coach Bill Belichick cited he wish Coleman could have been retained at a lower price, "but in this day and age of the salary cap, you have to be able to make tough decisions that are best for the entire organization." Surely Walt Coleman's leadership and presence in the lockerroom will be missed, but as Willie McGinest states, "everybody in this lockerroom is just going to have to stepup to make up for this loss."
Noteworthy: Terry McAulay and Walt Anderson are due in next week for Free Agent visits. http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/08-01/08-31-01/0831ref.jpg
