Through the first half of the season, there was much speculation that the Patriots and Brian Waters would work out a deal for his return. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday that the two sides had the framework of a deal in place that would bring back the 35-year-old offensive lineman back. But that window officially closed on Friday and he will not be returning this season.
Waters, who is under contract through this season, started all 19 games in 2011, including the Super Bowl. He showed up just in time for the 2011 season opener and there was a thought that he might do the same this year. When he didn't report for training camp and the season opener, he was placed on the reserve/did not report list. Friday was the deadline for teams to take players under contract off that list, meaning Waters is no longer eligible to play.
The Patriots were reportedly offering Waters a raise to get him to return from his Texas home but to no avail. Waters signed a two-year, $3 million deal before the '11 season and forfeited his $1,400,000 salary plus $850,000 in bonus money by sitting out this season.
For more, visit the Patriots team page at weei.com/patriots [1].
Links:
[1] http://www.weei.com/patriots
[2] http://www.weei.com/category/boston/patriots