Typically 74 catches, 900 yards and four touchdowns earns you a raise in the NFL, not a one-way ticket to retirement. Brandon Lloyd appears to be the exception to that rule.
After an impressive season with the Patriots in 2012, Lloyd was released by the team in March and remains without an NFL team as the season gets underway. The lack of interest this offseason left the 32-year-old receiver without much hope apparently and now Lloyd “doesn’t plan to play” this season, according to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora.
Lloyd has played for six NFL teams in 10 seasons, including three over the last two seasons. A shifty, versatile receiver on the outside, Lloyd created matchup problems for defenses and was adept at gaining yards after the catch. His attitude and erratic behavior seemed to be his downfall with each team, though, and it likely played a factor in his release from the Patriots this spring.
Plenty of teams are still in need of help on the outside and could come calling at some point this season. But, without any real interest as of yet, Lloyd seems content hanging up the cleats and calling it a career.
It’s too bad a guy with so much talent just couldn’t coexist with teammates or coaches. If nothing else, at least we’ll always have this legendary smiling touchdown photo (see above) to remember him by.
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