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Patriots should not have released Dominique Easley

By Connor Fulton

Aug 28, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Dominique Easley (99) brings down Carolina Panthers running back Fozzy Whittaker (43) on a run during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Dominique Easley (99) brings down Carolina Panthers running back Fozzy Whittaker (43) on a run during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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The biggest New England Patriots news of Wednesday was the release of defensive lineman Dominique Easley. CSNEE’s Tom E. Curran was the first to break the news:

Simply put, the Patriots should not have done this.

Yes, Easley’s first two years in the NFL has been riddled with injuries. He’s missed 10 regular season games and all postseason contests since being drafted with the Patriots’ first round pick back in 2014.

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But when Easley was on the field, especially in 2015, he was a real asset. Before going down for the season in Week 14 against the Houston Texans, Easley had been a bright spot in the Patriots’ front seven. His potential was starting to be realized, and he was improving in each game.

Why the Patriots cut ties with him is beyond me. Easley offers a ton of promise, even with the injury baggage. The Patriots’ defensive line is so deep that it could afford to lose Easley for extended period of time. And it’s not like this was a financial decision, as the Patriots actually cost themselves more money by releasing him:

It looks like the Patriots are keen on using Terrance Knighton in a larger role (we forecasted his 2016 production this morning). The release of Easley also signals that the Patriots are fully confident in Malcom Brown developing into the main guy on the interior of the defensive line.

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Some sly team will leap on the Patriots’ mistake and sign Easley before too all long.

Although this writer disagrees with the Patriots’ decision here, let us remember the underlying principle of Patriots fandom: In Bill We Trust.

Next: 6 Reasons why Pats fans should be excited for 2016 NFL Draft

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire for coverage on every twist and turn in the Patriots’ offseason.

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