The Patriots really need interior line help. Brian Waters is 35, Dan Connolly is mediocre and Logan Mankins had ACL surgery after the Super Bowl and is no sure thing going forward. Koppen, their starting center in 2010, will definitely help fill the need. He should be an upgrade over Connolly at center and Connolly will be freed up to provide much needed depth at guard, his natural position.

However, considering Koppen missed all of last season and turns 33 in September, they slightly overpaid. 6 million over 2 years doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you compare it to what other centers have been getting this offseason: Todd McClure (1 year, 1 million at age 35 for the 6^th ranked center on ProFootballFocus in 2011), Jeff Saturday (2 years, 8 million at age 36 for the 5^th ranked center in 2011), Matt Birk (3 years, 8.5 million at age 35 for the 9^th ranked center in 2011), it’s a slightly overpaid for someone who missed all of last season. Though the 10^th ranked center in 2010 could definitely regain his old form and the long time veteran adds needed continuity and leadership on the Patriots line.

Grade: B