The Patriots must make a decision on Brandon Lloyd's $3 million option bonus by March 16.

It's a little earlier than expected, and means Lloyd will hit the open market no later than the first week of free agency if the Pats decide to move on, as expected. Despite an underwhelming 2013, Lloyd shouldn't hurt for one-year offers.

The player rep for Brandon Lloyd has not had any communication with the Patriots this offseason.

A source tells CSN New England that Brandon Lloyd is not in the Patriots' plans for 2013.

One year after signing a three-year, $12 million contract, Lloyd appears to be on the verge of getting cut. Per the report, he's not even listed on the organization's projected depth chart for next season. It's a surprise after Lloyd came on very strong late in the season, compiling 36 catches for 452 yards and two touchdowns over the final six games (including playoffs). CSN New England cites "an enigmatic personality, aversion to physical contact, inability to find a consistent niche in the offense and financial disposability" as reasons for the breakup. The Patriots will be in the market for an outside receiver even if they get free agent slot machine Wes Welker under contract.

A team source tells the Boston Globe Brandon Lloyd's "erratic behavior in the locker room and on the practice field" bothered the Patriots last season.

According to the Globe's Greg A. Bedard, the odds are "against" the Patriots exercising Lloyd's $3 million option bonus. It's not the first time Lloyd's behavior has been called into question, as a Broncos source told the Globe last March Lloyd "wasn't a good teammate," and that there were times "people in the building thought he may be bipolar." Cutting Lloyd would clear $4.9 million in cap space, but leave behind $2 million in dead money.

ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss says Brandon Lloyd isn't a "lock" to return to the Patriots in 2013.

Lloyd's base salary for 2013 is just $1.9 million, but New England holds a $3 million option bonus. If the Patriots cut Lloyd after June 1, they would endure a $1 million cap hit in 2013 and 2014. New England may not view the soon-to-be 32-year-old worth that much money with other needs to address on the team. Lloyd had an underwhelming first season with the team, catching 74 passes for 911 yards and four touchdowns. The Patriots are expected to overhaul an aging receiver group this offseason.

Brandon Lloyd caught seven passes for 70 yards in the Patriots' AFC title game loss to the Ravens.

It was a good day on paper for the Patriots' No. 2 receiver, though he hauled in just half of his 14 targets, and offered embarrassingly little after the catch. The vast majority of Lloyd's grabs were catch-and-fall affairs. That, of course, was the case during the regular season for the 31-year-old veteran, who was just 115th in the league with 180 yards after the catch. Lloyd is still a useful player, but his best fantasy days are behind him. Signed for just $4.9 million between salary and bonuses in 2013, Lloyd should be back with the Patriots.

Brandon Lloyd caught five passes for 32 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's Divisional round victory over the Texans.

Lloyd rebounded from a suspect and costly personal conduct penalty to become the 20th different player to catch a postseason touchdown pass from Tom Brady. He also came up big with a key first-down reception early in the fourth quarter. Even with Rob Gronkowski out, Lloyd is a clear third in the receiving pecking order entering the AFC Championship game versus the Ravens.

Brandon Lloyd (knee) played a season-low 31 offensive snaps in Week 17 versus the Dolphins.

ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss notes that Lloyd's knee was a bigger question mark on Sunday than it had been in recent weeks. Coupled with the fact that the Patriots were up large, New England played it safe with the 31-year-old receiver. The team secured a first-round bye for the playoffs, so it should give Lloyd ample time to heal up. It will be a situation to keep an eye on, even though we still expect Bill Belichick to be vague with his injury reports.

Brandon Lloyd (knee) is officially questionable for Week 17.

Finishing strong after a middling middle part of the season, Lloyd needs 98 yards against the Dolphins to reach 1,000 for the year. He's a top-30 option for Week 17.

Brandon Lloyd (knee) was limited in practice on Thursday.

Just like every week prior to this one. Lloyd will good to go against Miami on Sunday. He was held to one catch for ten yards in the previous Week 13 meeting.

Brandon Lloyd (knee) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

At this point, it would be surprising if Lloyd wasn't limited in a Wednesday practice. Lloyd has been on a bit of a tear over the last three games, catching 23-of-36 Tom Brady targets for 342 yards. He needs 98 yards in Week 17 to top 1,000 for the season.

Brandon Lloyd caught six passes for 62 yards in New England's Week 16 victory over the Jaguars.

Lloyd and Tom Brady were on completely different pages in the first half as they connected just once, but the two came out of halftime to hook up three times on the opening drive of the second half. Lloyd is enjoying a nice three-game stretch to finish out the regular season, but he'll be up against Sean Smith and the Dolphins in Week 17. Smith held Lloyd to one catch for ten yards in Week 13.

Brandon Lloyd (knee) is officially questionable for Week 16 after getting in his third straight limited practice Friday.

Brandon Lloyd (knee) remained limited in Thursday's practice.

Coming off his best game of the season and one of the biggest efforts of his career, Lloyd is Rotoworld's No. 29 receiver for Week 16.

Brandon Lloyd (knee) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

This is par for the course for Lloyd, who was one of 18 Patriots limited on Wednesday. He'll play in Jacksonville on Sunday. After a career best 190 yards receiving in Week 15, Lloyd has reestablished himself as a viable WR3 option.

Brandon Lloyd had his best game as a Patriot in New England's Week 15 loss to the 49ers, catching 10 passes for a cool 190 yards.

Brandon Lloyd (knee) is officially questionable for Week 15 after remaining limited in Friday's practice.

Lloyd has been limited for weeks, but his role finally grew in Week 14. However, there's no guarantee there will be any carry over to Week 15 against the 49ers' elite defense. Lloyd is a middling WR3 for the second week of the fantasy playoffs.

Brandon Lloyd (knee) was limited again in Thursday's practice.

Lloyd is coming off his best fantasy performance and second-best in terms of receptions and yards this season. He will be fine for Sunday night's game versus the 49ers. Rotoworld ranks Lloyd No. 36 among fantasy receivers for Week 15.

Brandon Lloyd (knee) was limited in practice on Wednesday.

This is a non-story, even though Lloyd will likely show up as "questionable" on Friday. He'll be fine for Sunday Night Football against the 49ers. Coming off of his best game of the season this past Monday night, we still don't like Lloyd as any more than a WR3.

Brandon Lloyd had his best overall game of the season in New England's Week 14 win over the Texans on Monday night, reeling in seven passes for 89 yards and a touchdown.