While Tedy Bruschi's retirement didn't exactly stun a lot of people, I had assumed that would be it.

Then, today, the New England Patriots announced they have traded Richard Seymour—arguably their most talented defensive player—to the Oakland Raiders for a 2011 first-round pick.

The Patriots' roster is loaded with talent, but nobody has the depth to simply cut ties with a three-time first-team All-Pro defensive end who doesn't turn 30 for another month.

Of course, there are many ways to spin this. My fellow B/R writer Samer Ismail is correct in pointing out that, with the impending free agency of Matt Light, Logan Mankins, Vince Wilfork, and Tom Brady in the next two years, Bleacher Report - NFL