The New England Patriots rescinded their tender offer to backup linebacker Vernon Crawford, making him an unrestricted free agent.
A fifth-round pick out of Florida State in 1997, Crawford spent three seasons with the team and made one start in 41 games with the Patriots. Most of his action came as a reserve and as a special teams player. Crawford was among the more active special teams players on the team, as he recorded 32 special teams tackles in the last three seasons.
In 1999 Crawford saw action in just nine games, as he missed most of the second half with a sprained right knee. The injury was suffered against Denver in Week Seven, and Crawford missed the next six games. Despite the injury, Crawford played much of the second half against the Broncos and recorded five tackles in the game.
