The New England Patriots have lost another player prior to the start of the 2020 season. This departure wasn’t due to an opt-out related to the COVID-19 pandemic, rather it was an early retirement from one of the team’s newest additions.
The Boston Globe’s Jim McBride reported that 2020 seventh-round pick Dustin Woodard announced his retirement from the NFL, citing that the pandemic had nothing to do with his decision.
Woodard spent four years as a Memphis Tiger, starting 52 games at all three interior offensive line positions over that span.
While the 22-year-old would’ve had to prove he was worth a spot on the final roster, the Patriots depth at the center position is certainly lacking.