AP

There was a degree of surprise when the Patriots waived cornerback Ras-I Dowling yesterday.

There may be less when you realize no one else wanted him, at least at his current numbers.

According to multiple reports, Dowling passed through waivers unclaimed today. While that might seem unusual for a player chosen 33rd overall in the 2011 Draft, his contract likely contributed to that. According to Tom Pelissero of USA Today, Dowling’s rookie deal included $351,377 in guaranteed base salary, which any team claiming him would have been on the hook for.

He’s now free to sign with any team.

Of course, he won’t find one to provide that kind of guaranteed money, not after starting just two games and finishing both his pro seasons on injured reserve.