Milloy started in 106 consecutive games going back to his rookie year in 1996, when the Patriots won the AFC championship but lost to Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXI. He led the team in tackles in 2001, when New England won Super Bowl XXXVI.

But last year, Milloy had no sacks, no forced fumbles, no sacks and no interceptions. His 91 tackles represented his fewest since he became a full-time starter. The Patriots will not concede this point, at least not publicly, but some team officials and coaches felt Milloy had not performed on the field to his salary level.