Report: Connolly could choose retirement

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Dan Connolly reportedly received some interest on the free-agent market this offseason from teams like the Buccaneers and the Seahawks, but the veteran offensive lineman remains untethered now about a month before training camps open across the NFL. 

According to Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com, Connolly got a strong pitch from Tampa Bay where he would have been reunited on the offensive line with former Patriots teammate and friend Logan Mankins. But rather than uproot his family or spend significant chunks of time away from home, Connolly opted not to sign.

Reiss added that Connolly would be open to making a return to the Patriots for another season but that the team has not "aggressively pursued that option at this time." If the Patriots decide to stand pat with their offensive line group as currently constituted, the possibility exists that the 32-year-old Connolly would choose to call it a career.

Throughout the Patriots run to their fourth Super Bowl last season, Connolly was a vital cog on the line that showed vast improvement after a 2-2 start to the regular season. Once settled into his spot at left guard, Connolly, a captain, helped settle the protection in front of quarterback Tom Brady. Not only did Connolly provide left guard Nate Solder with some familiarity to Solder's right, but Connolly also helped the development of rookie center Bryan Stork. 

The Patriots draft two interior linemen -- Florida State's Tre' Jackson and Georgia Tech's Shaq Mason -- in the fourth round of this year's draft who could compete for the starting job vacated by Connolly. Returning starter Ryan Wendell, Josh Kline, Chris Barker and Caylin Hauptmann will all be in the running for reps at guard during training camp as well. 

 

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