The Patriots have faced a slew of questions as of late regarding the team’s chemistry and cohesiveness in the midst of a losing streak that could jeopardize their playoff chances if it carries on much further.

Those questioning voices only grew louder yesterday, as New England LB Adalius Thomas was officially sent to the bench for this week’s contest,  most likely for his comments regarding the dismissal that removed him and three other players from the team’s facilities earlier last week, after they were late to practice.

Thomas was extremely critical of the decision to send him home, attacking the notion that it was intended to be motivational in nature.

“Motivation is for kindergartners. I’m not a kindergartner. Sending somebody home, that’s like, ‘He’s expelled, come back and make good grades.’ Get that [expletive] out of here. That’s ridiculous. Motivation?”

– New England linebacker Adalius Thomas

For their part, the Patriots have said almost nothing in response to Thomas’ angry diatribes, choosing to focus on their upcoming opponent instead. But there is little doubt that the team has had multiple discussions internally over the future of Thomas in New England, and it’s becoming more and more likely that he will not be wearing a Patriots’ uniform next season.

Thomas is in the third season of a five year contract with New England, worth an estimated $35 million when it was initially signed back in 2007. The deal is heavily backloaded though, reportedly scheduled to pay Thomas $4.9 million next season and $5.9 million in 2011. Thomas would also receive a $2 million bonus in both of those years if he is still with the Patriots.

Those numbers come close to cementing Thomas’ continued existence in New England, as there is almost no conceivable way the Patriots would be willing to spend that kind of cash in return for the production Thomas has given them as of late. Especially when you take into consideration the amount of money they’ll need to retain both of their key free agents this off-season in guard Logan Mankins and nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

If he’s released prior to free agency next spring, it’s doubtful that Thomas would be out of work for long, with several teams in need of a quality presence in their linebacker corps. Baltimore, Kansas City, and Cleveland would likely be at or near the top of that list, with the Ravens occupying the most probable landing spot for Thomas, given his history with the team.

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