In a move that sent shockwaves across the NFL, the Patriots traded five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Richard Seymour to the Oakland Raiders today in exchange for a 2011 first-round draft choice.

Seymour, 29, was an integral part of the Patriots’ three Super Bowl championship teams.

“From nearly the day he arrived in 2001, Richard Seymour established himself as one of our premier players for nearly a decade,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. “His presence has been felt as a force on the field, a respected man off it, and a multi-year champion.

“Any transaction we make is with the goal of what is best for our team and, as difficult as it is to part ways with a player of Richard’s stature, many factors were taken into account when we considered this trade. As an organization, we feel the trade with Oakland brings sufficient value and is in the long-term interest of the club. We are extremely grateful for the huge impact Richard’s elite level of performance had on our success and we wish him the very best during the rest of his career.”

Seymour was entering the last year of his contract, and was due to make $3.685 million. That money now comes off the Patriots’ salary cap.

The Patriots have several key players with contracts set to expire after the season, and they might have weighed the likelihood of re-signing Seymour as part of their decision-making.

Eight-year veteran Jarvis Green, who has appeared in 108 regular-season games with 34 starts for the Patriots, projects as the top replacement for Seymour. Next >>

Open your Marketiva Account Now! It is free!
Get $5 cash reward you can start trading right away!

Related posts:

1. Richard Seymour Traded to Oakland
2. Richard Seymour: Biggs: Busy Pats to add G Kendall Simmons
3. Trade sends Pudge back to Rangers
4. Videos presence of CCTV cameras recorded Angel
5. Gerry McNamara will join Syracuse basketball coaching staff
6. Photo – Video : Megan Fox hosts the SNL’s 35th season opener on NBC
7. Stefanie Spielman, Chris Spielman, Chris Spielman Wife (Wikipedia)
8. Sneak Peek at ‘Sons of Anarchy’ Season 2 Premiere
9. Clay Matthews Packers Tonight!
10. U2 concert-goers get an early start at the Rose Bowl
11. Todd Haley’s Choice: Kolby Smith?
12. David Branch : Leafs not upset to see NHL crackdown die
13. Jasper Howard: Personal Profile
14. Kristina Colonna, 19-Year-Old Blond Model, Could Win Title of Ultimate Spike Girl
15. Ortiz apologizes for ‘distraction’