Report: Patriots' Brandon Browner will not take pay cut; becomes free agent

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Brandon Browner has refused to take a pay cut to remain with the New England Patriots, according to NFL Network's Albert Breer. 

The Patriots have not informed Browner they will exercise his option so he is now a free agent, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports.

Browner was expected to be paid $5.5 million for next season and the Super Bowl champions have until 4 p.m. ET to exercise his option or let him become an unrestricted free agent. 

In his first season with the Patriots, Browner became an integral part of the team's defense and started in the Super Bowl victory. 

Browner helped defeat his former club, the Seattle Seahawks, for the championship. 

The hard-hitting defensive back allowed the Patriots to boast two physical cornerbacks, alongside Darrelle Revis, but New England may have to bite the proverbial bullet on Browner's option.