Ras-I Dowling Clears Waivers, Now A Free Agent

Update:

Former Patriots CB Ras-I Dowling passed through waivers unclaimed and will now be free to sign with a team of his choosing.

It’s not surprising that no one claimed Dowling given the guarantees remaining on his current deal. We’ll have to see what kind of market develops for his services in the coming days.

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the New England Patriots have released CB Ras-I Dowling.

• Brian McIntyre notes that $351,377  of Dowling’s 2013 base salary is fully guaranteed.

Dowling, 25, was the No. 33 overall pick in 2011 NFL draft, but there have been reports that indicated that he could be on the chopping block.

Since entering the league, Dowling has dealt with a number of injuries and has been ineffective when healthy. He only played 176 snaps for the team, so it’s pretty safe to call him a bust.

The Patriots are likely to start Aqib Talib and Alfonzo Dennard this season with Kyle Arrington likely being their No. 3 cornerback.