Patriots decline option on versatile mainstay Troy Brown

FOXBORO, Mass. -- The New England Patriots declined an option on receiver-turned-cornerback Troy Brown on Tuesday, allowing the 12-year veteran to become a free agent.

Brown was scheduled to earn $2.5 million in salary next season and was also reportedly due a $2.5 million bonus, meaning the team saved at least $5 million against next year's salary cap by cutting him loose.

Once one of the Patriots' most dependable receivers, Brown's biggest contribution in the most recent Super Bowl season was on defense. With the New England secondary weakened by injuries, Brown filled in as an extra defensive back.

Working mainly as a nickel back in passing situations, Brown had three interceptions, broke up five passes and made 17 tackles last season.

"If I had to do it all over again, I would do it," he said during Super Bowl week. "Anything to help the team win."

Brown, 33, played enough on the offensive side to make 17 catches for 184 yards, including a touchdown. He also returned 12 punts, averaging a team-high 6.9 yards.

In his career, he has 475 catches for 5,516 yards and 25 touchdowns.

"As a team player, Troy is right at the top of the list," quarterback Tom Brady said at the Super Bowl. "There is no other guy who has the respect of his teammates like Troy."

Brown is the third high-profile player the Patriots have released in the last week. Veteran linebacker Roman Phifer was released on Monday, and four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Ty Law, who missed the second half of the regular season and the playoffs with a broken foot, was released last week.