Patriots fans don’t have Laurence Maroney to kick around anymore.
The oft-criticized 2006 first-round pick is taking his talents to Denver, where Bill Belichick’s old buddy Josh McDaniels acquired Maroney on Tuesday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Compensation is unknown.
The Patriots could afford to lose him; Maroney had fallen behind Fred Taylor, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and Kevin Faulk on the depth chart. It’s a little surprising Denver wanted him.
Knowshon Moreno looked healthy in the opener, and Correll Buckhalter is a suitable backup. Or was anyhow. Buckhalter fumbled on Sunday and only gained 15 yards on six carries. The Broncos could use Maroney on kickoffs.
Maroney’s career in New England started just fine. He averaged 4.4 yards-per-carry and led the team in rushing during the record-setting 2007 season. Injuries and passing down struggles stymied his growth from there.
UPDATE: Schefter reports the Patriots get Denver’s fourth round pick next year in exchange for Maroney and New England’s sixth round pick.