NFL Rumors: Andre Carter Returning to New England Patriots

There have been several questions this offseason involving the New England Patriots about whether certain players would be returning for the 2012 season. Some because of contract disputes, some because of retirement decisions, and some because of injury concerns. Andre Carter’s questionable return was because of the latter.

Carter had a strong season for the Patriots in 2011 as a part of the one strength in the team’s considerably weak defense, the defensive line. But the defensive end suffered a quadriceps injury against the Denver Broncos which ended his season. Later it was learned that Carter would have to have surgery and would be put on injured reserve.

The need for Carter’s return was less in 2011 because fellow veteran defensive end Mark Anderson was there to step in. However, Anderson has moved on to Buffalo now and while the Patriots did use their first 2012 NFL draft pick on defensive end Chandler Jones, they’re still a bit weak with a lack of experience at the position.

With that in mind, Carter has reportedly been healing at a rapid pace and there is still a good possibility that he could be ready for the first game of the regular season. Carter has been very vocal about his wish to return to the New England in 2012 and his insistence that he’ll be completely healthy by the start of the season.

Though the 33-year old is entering the twilight of his career, the veteran would make an immediate impact on a team looking to win now and would be a terrific influence on the two rookies Jones and Jake Bequette. Considering that the Patriots still have several questions on defense heading into 2012, a player like Carter should not be passed up.

Despite Carter’s wish of returning to the Patriots in 2012, the team will have to move rather quickly in reacquiring the unrestricted free agent. If Carter is fully healthy he can be a very effective defensive end and that is a position that several teams are looking at. The only thing keeping teams from signing him now is the question of last season’s injury but it looks more and more like he’ll be ready for the season.

There have been many NFL rumors involving the New England Patriots and this one involving Andre Carter’s return is beginning to heat up. An effective defensive end that was one of very few bright spots on one of the NFL’s worst defenses in 2011, a healthy Carter would be a major asset to the Patriots in 2012.