According to a published report, Patriots free agent center Dan Koppen
is headed south for his first free agent visit. Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean
reports that the Titans will host the long time Patriot later this
week, possibly Wednesday.
Koppen, 32, suffered a broken leg in the first game of the 2011 season,
landing on injured reserve shortly after. The 9 year veteran
is the fourth center the Titans have looked at.
Koppen was replaced by reserve guard/center Dan Connolly in the
starting lineup for New England. WHen injuries struck, Ryan Wendell and
Nick MacDonald both took turns snapping the ball to Tom Brady during
the season.
Although the Patriots would like to keep both Connolly and Koppen, the
team really can only afford to retain one of the veterans at market
prices. Connolly re-signed with the team earlier this offseason, agreeing
to terms on a three year deal. The former backup
will now earn $9.75 million for three seasons, with a $3.25 million
signing bonus.
Koppen is the fourth center the Titans have looked at in free agency.
Each of the previous free agents they met with ( Chris Myers, Jeff
Saturday and Scott Wells) signed elsewhere. Tennessee's starter from
2011, Eugene Amano, remains with the team.
If the Patriots lose Koppen, it will be the third former starter to
leave this offseason. Defensive end Mark Anderson signed with
the Bills, while running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis joined the Bengals.
Koppen was selected by the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL
Draft. The 6-foot-2, 296-pound Boston College product started
120 of 121 games for New England since he joined the team.
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