Robert Gallery Retires, Leaves Pats in a Sticky Situation

Veteran offensive lineman Robert Gallery announced his retirement to the Patriots. New England signed the veteran guard just back in March, so his retirement comes as a surprise to most. Spending 7 years in Oakland, and last season playing for the Seahawks, Gallery never lived up to his potential after winning the Outland Trophy in college, awarded to the nation's best interior lineman. Gallery was still at least a very solid backup, with ability to contribute.

Robert Gallery (72) was the 2nd Overall Pick in the 2004 NFL Draft

While the Patriots aren't losing a player of tremendous caliber, this loss is still a tough one. Depth at the offensive line seems to be, well, non-existent. With Brian Waters still not at camp and the health of Logan Mankins still not a given, the Pats should seriously scan the market for a guard. On top of that, good ol' Sebastian Vollmer isn't 100% (has he ever been?). Bill Belichick hasn't helped at all, given next to no information about the status of Brian Waters. If he comes in and starts week one, along with Logan Mankins, you're returning two Pro Bowl guards from this past season, an immediate upgrade.

Dan Koppen is firmly in his role at center for now, and Nate Solder will be the starting left tackle. But if one of the guards doesn't report, Dan Connolly could see playing time, possibly bumping Kopen to a guard position. The key word that troubles me here is "possibly." No one knows for sure what is going on in New England, and only time will tell if there is actual cause for worry.

I'm sure New England will figure out how to fix this, but I'm more nervous about a Patriots' offensive line than I've been in years. Robert Gallery's departure did nothing to ease my mind.