New England Patriots Report

Jonathan Fanene & his signing bonus

August, 22, 2012

8/22/12

8:18

AM ET

By Mike Reiss | ESPNBoston.com

TAMPA -- One question that came up Tuesday when the Patriots released defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene was what would happen to the $3.85 million signing bonus the team paid him this offseason.

A few details have emerged that paint a clearer picture as to where this could be headed.

Fanene, as had been reported by ESPN senior NFL writer John Clayton, was having problems with an injured knee (he missed the team's last 13 practices). The possibility of arthroscopic surgery later this week was raised by Clayton.

Meanwhile, Ross Tucker of Sirius XM NFL Radio tweeted this morning, "According to NFL source, Pats cut Fanene under 'Failure to Disclose Physical Condition.' Likely going after that $3.85M SB he got."

Here is one additional note: Of that $3.85 million signing bonus, $1.35 million was deferred until March 31, 2013. One would think the Patriots will attempt to at least keep that portion of the signing bonus.

UPDATE (11:08 a.m. ET): Here is ESPNBoston.com's news story with more details.

Mike Reiss

Patriots reporter, ESPNBoston.com

Covered Patriots since 1997
Blogging on Pats since 2004
Joined ESPNBoston.com in 2009

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ABOUT THIS BLOG

Mike Reiss

Mike Reiss first started covering the Patriots in 1997 with the team's official newspaper, Patriots Football Weekly, before moving on to the MetroWest Daily News in his hometown of Framingham. From 2005 to 2009, he covered the Patriots for The Boston Globe, while also writing on the NFL. He started his popular Patriots blog in 2004. Send any questions or comments for Mike to his mailbag. Follow him on Twitter (@MikeReiss).

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Mike Rodak began covering the Patriots for ESPNBoston.com in July 2010. A native of Grafton, Mass., Mike attends Providence College, where he assists the athletic department in game management, facilities, and logistics. Follow him on Twitter (@mikerodak)

Field Yates

Field Yates begins his contributions to ESPNBoston.com in 2012 after having written for a number of football-related sites around the web. Field began his professional career after college with the Kansas City Chiefs, working in both the scouting and coaching departments of the franchise before redirecting his focus to a career in media. He also interned for four summers in the coaching and scouting departments with the Patriots. Follow him on Twitter (@FieldYates).