New England Patriots Rumors: Team Will Release Sebastian Vollmer
The New England Patriots reportedly will not bring back right tackle Sebastian Vollmer.
The days of wearing a New England Patriots uniform appears to be over for veteran tackle Sebastian Vollmer. According to Tom Pelissero of USA TODAY sports, the team plans to release the 32-year-old German offensive lineman.
This has been a move rumored since Vollmer went on the PUP (physically unable to perform list) to begin the season. Along with the emergence of Marcus Cannon at right tackle, Vollmer is expendable, especially with the amount of money he would command this season.
Veteran OT Sebastian Vollmer's contract tolled because he spent all last season on PUP. But the #Patriots plan to release him, source said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 2, 2017
The long-time Patriots right tackle was set to make $2.25 million in salary in 2017. With Cannon’s play and the addition of a group of younger offensive linemen, the release is a no-brainer for a team that usually cut ties with veteran players once they show signs of decline.
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Vollmer is also considering retirement according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. That possibility makes the decision an easier one for the Patriots and for Vollmer as that would allow him to retire with the team that drafted him and what a career he has had.
Drafted in the second round of the 2009 NFL draft, Vollmer was a reliable tackle for the Patriots right off the start. He began his rookie season subbing for Matt Light and eventually took over the starting role later that season. His toughness and ability to battle off star defensive pass rushers like former Indianapolis Colts star Dwight Freeney made him a solid right tackle.
Vollmer also showed off his versatility along the offensive line by switching over to left tackle when Nate Solder went down with a season-ending injury. However, injuries of his own began to take their toll as the man nicknamed “Seabass” began to wear down physically.
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In all, the New England Patriots would save close to $1.8 million in salary cap space by releasing Vollmer before June. That money could be used to bring back free agents like Dont’a Hightower or Duron Harmon. The Patriots could put it to better use by extended restricted free agent cornerback Malcolm Butler.