| Light is reportedly walking away from the game. (Getty Images) |
Most of the offseason action with the Patriots has centered around Wes Welker's contract (or Rob Gronkowski's consistently bizarre and hilarious viral antics), but New England was dealt a blow on Wednesday when, according to a report, left tackle Matt Light decided to retire.
The move, as reported by Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, isn't entirely surprising: there's been plenty of chatter that Light, who will turn 34 this offseason, would walk away from the game and Light hasn't been willing to comment on it one way or the other.
Additionally, the Patriots like Nate Solder, their first-round pick in 2011, a lot, and intend to let Solder replace Light at left tackle.
New England's also got Sebastian Vollmer (when he's healthy), Marcus Cannon, Robert Gallery and Brian Waters who can shift around to create enough depth at offensive line. Seeing the Pats utilize guys in different positions would hardly be anything new.
Light was a second-round pick in 2001 and started 153 games for the Patriots in his 11 years with New England, making three Pro Bowls (and one All-Pro award in 2007).
And, of course, he won three Super Bowls while protecting Tom Brady's blindside. His career was somewhat short for an offensive lineman, but it certainly wasn't unproductive.