Two very coincidental events occurred on Monday.
Derrick Burgess seems to be on the verge of retirement, and Aaron Schobel is gone from Buffalo, says BuffaloNews.com.
Burgess, who signed a one-year deal worth $1.5 million in the offseason, simply never appeared at training camp, and the Patriots are preparing for life without him. Without the veteran, they lack depth at the edge rushing position.
Enter Schobel?
The two-time Pro Bowler wasn't clear whether or not he simply wanted out of Buffalo or was on the verge of retirement, but he is just 32 years old, and the former option makes more sense.
If he wants a reduced role in his old age, and to play for a winner, New England would be a perfect fit, per ESPN. There, he would likely only be used when the 3-4 is not being employed, which is about half of the time. Otherwise, Bill Belichick could use New England's younger players at the position.
Schobel and his 78 career sacks may be retiring, but if not, New England may be the perfect fit.
