Well, if you wanted to see offensive lineman Jared Veldheer in a New England Patriots uniform this year, I have two words for you: too bad.
Nah, we had nothing to do with this, we're just here to bring you news and analysis of the whole thing. So get this: he signed a one-year deal with the Patriots on May 13 (last week). And apparently now this week, he is no longer an NFL player.
On Monday, he did not partake in the team's voluntary organized team activity, as ESPN's Mike Reiss reports. Instead, he was placed on the reserved/retired list. And in Veldheer's case, it's because he's now retired.
Veldheer can do whatever he wants because this is America and there are no laws requiring him to play the game of football. However, it is a blow to the Patriots depth at the tackle positions. Veldheer has 113 career NFL starts under his belt and the Patriots were looking to get some depth behind Isaiah Wynn at left tackle.
Remember, Wynn had the Achilles injury, so it's unclear just how he will perform in his return from it.
Veldheer, 31, played in the NFL from 2010 to 2018. I know it wasn't long, but what a tenure he had for the Patriots. The guy never lost a game. He never let up a sack. And there wasn't even one tackle for a loss during his time with the team.
I guess when things are going that well for you, it's time to hang up the spikes. Whether or not they retire his number is a debate for a different day. I'm not exactly sure which number he wore or if he had even been issued a number yet. But if he did have one, they should strongly consider it.