Browns Release Donte’ Stallworth

Donte Stallworth had his best game against Dallas in 2007 | Courtesy Patriots.com

In an expected move, the Cleveland Browns released wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth today.  Pro Football Talk has the scoop:

The Cleveland Browns wasted no time today in releasing wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth, who was reinstated to the NFL upon the completion of the Super Bowl.

The team announced that they had terminated Stallworth’s contract in an understated item on the official web site headlined, “Browns make roster move.”

Stallworth was suspended for the entire 2009 season as a result of his DUI manslaughter conviction. He played the 2008 season for the Browns, the 2007 season for the Patriots, the 2006 season for the Eagles and the 2002 through 2005 seasons for the Eagles.

Today’s transaction makes Stallworth an unrestricted free agent. It’s unknown whether any team has any interest in signing him.

With this news, I bring up the obligatory question, should the Patriots look into re-signing Donte’ Stallworth?

I say yes.  While what Stallworth did was awful, he served his time, was reinstated by the league, and if he can still play, deserves another chance.  In 2007, Stallworth had a decent season for the Patriots, bringing in 697 yards on a 15.2 yard per catch average.  However, he was moved to fourth on the depth chart in favor of Jabar Gaffney late in the year.

While Stallworth wouldn’t solve all of the woes for the Patriots’ offense, he could help.  The Patriots lack an outside burner opposite Randy Moss, and Stallworth could certainly provide assistance there.  He would seemingly be a big upgrade over Sam Aiken.  The question is, what does he have left in the tank?

If he’s still got something, I don’t see why signing him to a low-cost, one year deal (essentially a camp invite) would hurt.  Although, if I had to choose between Stallworth and former Patriots Deion Branch (who will likely be released by the Seahawks), I would take Branch in a heartbeat.