The New England Patriots wisely chose image over salary-cap implications when they released Aaron Hernandez last June. The Patriots lost $7.5 million in cap room for the 2014 season when they made that decision, but obviously it looks like the right choice as more information comes out about the former tight end.
The Patriots now are trying to recoup that $7.5 million in signing bonus, and they’re set to meet with Hernandez’ reps before an arbitrator in June, Albert Breer of NFL Media reported Wednesday.
The Patriots might not be able to recoup that money until a verdict is reached in either of Hernandez’s court cases. The trial for his alleged involvement in the death of Odin Lloyd is set to begin in late fall, Breer reported, while the trial for his alleged involvement in a Boston double murder might not begin until next year.
