Practice Squad Contracts For Patriots RB Montee Ball & WR J.J. Worton Expire

The practice squad contracts for Patriots RB Montee Ball and WR J.J. Worton expired over the weekend, so both players are now free agents.

New England elected to not sign Ball or Worton to future/reserve contracts after their 2015 season came to an end. Although, it’s still possible they could offer either player a futures deal at some point in the near future.

Ball, 25, was entering the third year of his four-year, $3.53 million rookie contract that included a $964,896 signing bonus when the Broncos cut him loose at the start of the season.

The Patriots later signed him to their practice squad back in December.

It’s been somewhat surprising to see just how much Ball has struggled since entering the NFL. He’s dealt with a number of injuries since entering the league, but his production has obviously yet to live up to his draft status.

In 2014, Ball was limited to appearing in just five games and rushing for 172 yards on 55 carries (3.1 YPC) to go along with nine receptions for 62 yards receiving and one total touchdown for the Broncos.

Worton originally signed on with the Rams back in December before the Patriots added him to their practice squad a few weeks ago.

Worton was arrested a few weeks ago in Foxborough, MA for allegedly assaulting a man and two women.

During his four-year career at Central Florida, Worton recorded 168 receptions for 2,360 yards receiving and 21 touchdowns. He also contributed 740 punt return yards and returned a kickoff 22 yards for a touchdown.