New England Patriots Reportedly Release Chad Ochocinco

In a move that should not come as a shock to anyone, the New England Patriots have released wide receiver Chad Ochocinco after just one season with the team, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN:

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After unsuccessfully trying to trade WR Chad Ochocinco throughout the day Thursday, the Patriots are releasing him, per league source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 7, 2012"

Last year was the worst season of Ochocinco's career, by far. In 15 games played, he caught just 15 passes for 276 yards and one touchdown. In the postseason, he only played in the Super Bowl and had one catch in that game.

There was some talk during the regular season that the Patriots were going to release Ochocinco, though nothing ever became of that. 

Now that Ochocinco finds himself on the free-agent market for the first time in his career, it will be fascinating to see what kind of interest teams have in him. He is 34 years old, nowhere near the receiver he used to be and coming off his worst NFL season. 

We have seen teams take a chance on older players in the past, especially if they believe there is something left in the tank.

Another factor that teams will consider when looking at Ochocinco is his personality. Unlike in Cincinnati, Ochocinco was relatively quiet in New England. Now that he is free from the clutches of Bill Belichick, he could revert to being the kind of talker he was before. Teams may not want that kind of headache on their roster.

The Patriots focused a lot of energy this offseason on the receiving corps, adding Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney, Donte' Stallworth and Anthony Gonzalez (since released). Those moves put the wheels in motion for Thursday's release of Ochocinco.

At the very least, Ochocinco can consider his run in New England a success thanks to that AFC championship ring he will be sporting. He just has to find a team ready to offer him a job so he can add a Super Bowl ring to his mantle.

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