Former Patriots Cornerback Leigh Bodden Clears Waivers

Former New England Patriots cornerback Leigh Bodden cleared waivers Monday and is now free to sign wherever he likes as a free agent, according to a Tweet from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The rest of the league's decision not to claim Bodden now leaves the Patriots on the hook for the about $2 million he is owed for the remainder of the season, during which he will be paid $3.9 million total. The 30-year-old Bodden, signed a four-year, $22 million contract prior to the 2010 season, but missed all of last season with a shoulder injury.

He was released Friday because the team was not pleased with his performance in the slot cornerback role he was asked to switch to and because the coaching staff felt Bodden never really bought into the switch. Bodden played in five games this season, made 17 tackles and deflected four passes.

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Leigh Bodden Released By New England Patriots Because Of Issues Embracing Role, According To Report

The New England Patriots released veteran cornerback Leigh Bodden Friday because coach Bill Belichick was not thrilled by Bodden's efforts as a slot corner, according to a report by Ian R. Rapoport of the Boston Herald. 

"After more calls on Bodden: It seems Belichick sensed he wasn't embracing slot corner role, going through the motions. That was it," tweeted Rapoport.

The 30-year old Bodden signed a four-year, $22-million contract prior to the 2010 season, but missed all of last year with a shoulder injury. He was asked to adjust to a new role this season, but the coaching staff never felt Bodden fully bought into the switch, according to Rapoport.

Bodden didn't totally embrace the move to the "star" - or slot corner - position, and his lukewarm response was telling. He did it, he didn't cause trouble, but it was clear he didn't embrace it. When it was clear Bodden wasn't thrilled with what he was asked to do, it may have become an issue. If Bodden was going to sit on the bench and not play in the slot, that's a bad locker room move.    

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Leigh Bodden Released By New England Patriots, According To Report

According to a report by Pro Football Talk the New England Patriots have released veteran cornerback Leigh Bodden. The Patriots have yet to officially announce Bodden's release.