From the “saw that coming” news department, the Patriots announced today they have let go of Chad Ochocinco.

What, his fifteen catches last season didn’t impress them?

After Ocho restructured his contract earlier this year, and agreed to take less than $1 million per season for his remaining year in New England, many thought there was hope he would stick around for another season.

But let’s be honest. Ochocinco didn’t have much to do or say of any relevance during his tenure in Foxboro. He tried hard, that’s for sure. He really wanted to be great. But there’s a certain finesse that’s needed to succeed with the Pats and Ocho just never really fit the mould. The Chicago Tribune reported that the Pats tried to trade Ocho out of town but there were no takers.

If you recall, it was a fateful Friday last June that brought both Ochocino and Albert Haynesworth to New England; now both of them are gone. But I don’t think this release should a reflection on the level of player that Ocho is. He will start somewhere in 2012. Remember, he led the AFC North in receiving yards for four consecutive years (’03-’06), the first player in history to do so.

He’s a good receiver. He just wasn’t good with the Patriots. It really does take a certain kind of player to be successful. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a fit. But he will find that fit somewhere else.