Jared Veldheer appears to be backtracking from his retirement stance. The veteran tackle will no longer reside on New England’s reserve/retired list and is looking for a job before season’s end, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
This is interesting given Veldheer’s offseason comments. The 32-year-old tackle said a hip injury did not progress much during his time between the Broncos and Patriots, inducing him to call it quits. The Pats signed the former Raiders, Cardinals and Broncos blocker in May but saw him opt to retire shortly after the agreement.
Despite Veldheer’s injury issues, Rapoport adds the nine-year veteran is in shape. He could profile as an emergency starter or a swing man for a contender in need at the position. Veldheer started 12 games for the Broncos last season and has been a starter for 113 of the 118 games in which he’s been active.
Injuries have limited Veldheer for years. A partially torn triceps muscle ended his 2016 season, and he battled an ankle malady in 2017. He also suffered a concussion last year.
This transaction comes a week after the Texans cut Seantrel Henderson from their NFI list, and the former right tackle starter has begun making visits. It will be interesting to see if a team meets with Veldheer, who has extensive experience at both tackle spots. The longtime left tackle moved to the right side in 2017 to accommodate D.J. Humphries in Arizona and stayed there in Denver last season.
? Yet pats need o line help……odd
Shut up, Meg