Dan Connolly: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent OG

Free-agent offensive guard Dan Connolly is garnering outside interest after starting on a New England Patriots line that helped win Super Bowl XLIX.

Continue for updates.

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Report: Buccaneers to Visit with Connolly

Monday, March 30

Ross Jones of FoxSports.com reports that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are bringing Connolly in for a visit on Tuesday:

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported on multiple teams who may potentially be interested: 

Connolly isn't the first marquee Patriot the Buccaneers have seriously inquired about in recent years. They traded for five-time All-Pro Logan Mankins last year just before the season started in retooling their offensive line.

Considering Football Outsiders had Tampa Bay ranked last in run blocking and 29th in pass protection last season, bolstering the offensive trenches still has to be a priority. The Bucs hold the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, so if they invest in a franchise quarterback, it's key to upgrade that area of the roster.

The loss of Mankins saw New England struggle to start the 2014 campaign, yet the team recovered in time to go on a dominant run that culminated in hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

It wouldn't be ideal for the Pats to lose Connolly, especially after failing to retain other marquee free agents such as former Buccaneer Darrelle Revis. At least on New England's end, coach Bill Belichick has proved capable of losing star players and still contending, aided by legendary QB Tom Brady's presence under center.

Connolly will be 33 in September, so Tampa Bay's investment will likely be of the short-term variety if it elects to sign the longtime Patriots veteran.