Koppen Making His Way In Free Agency

According to a report out of Tennessee, Patriots center Dan Koppen has a visit lined up with the Titans. Is this really the end of Koppen's time in New England or is hz just testing the market?

According to a published report, Patriots free agent center Dan Koppen is headed south for his first free agent visit. Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean reports that the Titans will host the long time Patriot later this week, possibly Wednesday.

Koppen, 32, suffered a broken leg in the first game of the 2011 season, landing on injured reserve shortly after. The 9 year veteran is the fourth center the Titans have looked at.

Koppen was replaced by reserve guard/center Dan Connolly in the starting lineup for New England. WHen injuries struck, Ryan Wendell and Nick MacDonald both took turns snapping the ball to Tom Brady during the season.

Although the Patriots would like to keep both Connolly and Koppen, the team really can only afford to retain one of the veterans at market prices. Connolly re-signed with the team earlier this offseason, agreeing to terms on a three year deal.  The former backup will now earn $9.75 million for three seasons, with a $3.25 million signing bonus.

Koppen is the fourth center the Titans have looked at in free agency. Each of the previous free agents they met with ( Chris Myers, Jeff Saturday and Scott Wells) signed elsewhere. Tennessee's starter from 2011, Eugene Amano, remains with the team.

If the Patriots lose Koppen, it will be the third former starter to leave this offseason.  Defensive end Mark Anderson signed with the Bills, while running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis joined the Bengals.

Koppen was selected by the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft.  The 6-foot-2, 296-pound Boston College product started 120 of 121 games for New England since he joined the team.