Throughout the entire offseason and preseason of the NFL, Brandon Lloyd was considered the best available wide receiver free agent on the market. It seemed almost guaranteed that he would eventually sign with a team. However, as the season is officially underway, Lloyd remains without a team and is likely headed for retirement.
Lloyd had a strong year with the New England Patriots in 2012. He put up 911 yards and four touchdowns, his best season since 2010 in Denver when he recorded 1,448 receiving yards. The 32-year old was eventually cut in the offseason because the Patriots would have owed him $3 million in roster bonuses.
The Patriots have been suffering from a lack of offensive weapons and many have wondered why the team has not reached out to Lloyd with an offer. It turns out they actually have. NFL ProFootballTalk reports that Lloyd has turned down offers from at least six teams trying to get him on their team this season. The Patriots, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers are among those in search of Lloyd's services.
Lloyd apparently has no desire to be on the field this season. Sources report the 11-year veteran is not mentally or physically ready to play football again this year. This will be a disappointment to some teams, especially the Patriots. Danny Amendola is listed as doubtful against the Jets. Aaron Dobson is suffering from a hamstring injury. Rob Gronkowski is still not healthy enough to return. Lloyd would be of interest even as just a rotational player.
If Lloyd does become interested in signing up with a team, he would be subjected to a league minimum salary worth $940,000 on a one-year deal. That is a far cry from the $3 million he was supposed to be earning.
CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora is reporting that it looks more and more likely that Lloyd is headed towards retirement. If he sits out this season, there is little hope that he could return and play in 2014. Ask Terrell Owens how that has worked out for him. Lloydwas once criticized for his off-the-field behavior, but it appears teams were ok with bringing him back on.