Now is the time of year for NFL teams to release players to free up some cap space.
Typically, it's older players who aren't performing to what they are being paid, or there are younger players ready to take over for them.
That is what happened this week with Texans linebacker Brian Cushing reportedly being cut, and same with Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin. Immediately when these moves get reported, people try and connect the dots to bring the once big-name player to the Patriots.
Well, don't get your hopes up. There is a reason for these players being cut.
Cushing is 31 years old and not as athletic as he once was. The Patriots need to get younger and faster at the linebacker position, not slower. Martin is 29 years old and certainly closer to the end of his playing career than the beginning. Also, he's not as good as it would seem. Aside from his two seasons of rushing for just over 1,400 yards, his other four seasons have all totaled less than 500 yards.
These two players won't be the only two veterans released over the next few weeks, but this is the first reminder to keep in mind there's reason why they are cut.
Don't assume all these players are right for the Patriots.
