Photo: The Brit_2, Flickr BY DAN BEGNOCHE
New England center Dan Koppen has started every game of his NFL career in a Patriots uniform. It's looking more and more like he'll retire in one, as the nine-year vet inked a two-year deal with the Pats Friday.
“I’m extremely happy it worked out,” Koppen told the media. “I want to finish my career here. I’m not saying it’s two years and I’m done, but if in two more years I’m good enough in the end, maybe we can add on. We’ll see. But it’s what I wanted.”
Koppen's return had been up in the air since the beginning of free agency, as he reportedly had numerous talks with other teams regarding a contract and met with the Titans last week.
The near $6 million deal he signed with New England provides the team with much needed depth on the line, especially in a worst case scenario. With Koppen starting at center, Dan Connolly, Koppen's replacement after his broken leg last season, could line up anywhere on the interior.
Connolly's proficiency at both guard and center is namely the reason for the three-year, $9.7 million contract he signed earlier in free agency, and the Pats may actually need him to start at guard if veteran Brian Waters decides to retire or Logan Mankins isn't 100 percent come opening day. For Koppen, however, it's all about being back on the team.
“That’s how I’ve looked at it the first nine years of my career,” Koppen said. “I’m happy to go out and make the team. However the lineups are, I’m on board. I just want to go out and play football.”
And as far as his leg is concerned, the soon-to-be 33-year-old doesn't have a shred of doubt.
“It’s been good for a long time,” he said. “No worries there.”
