NFL Free Agency: New England Patriots May Not Cut Ties with Matt Light Quite Yet

The New England Patriots used their 17th overall selection on offensive tackle Nate Solder—and he's a monstrous athlete. 

Solder, who stands in at 6'8", is projected to be a very dependable left tackle at the next level and the New England Patriots have huge expectations for Solder. 

With the addition of Solder, does this mean that it's the end of Matt Light's Patriot career? Some may speculate it does, but nothing is guaranteed. 

Light is currently set to enter free agency once the NFL lockout is lifted, and there has been no word or report that New England will make the 10-year veteran any sort of offer. 

Ever since Light was selected at the 17th overall pick in the second round of the 2001 draft, he has been the team's left tackle—more importantly, the protector of Tom Brady's blind side.

During his 10 years, Light has done a spectacular job of keeping Brady protected as he's only allowed 66 career sacks, which may same like a lot, but that's roughly six per year. However, if you analyze Light's stats much further, he allowed 10 sacks last season—which is the most allowed since his second year in the league. 

Another rather notable stat regarding Light is that he has allowed zero postseason sacks. 

As Light allowed 10 sacks in 2010, you may assume his career is on the decline and he's starting to age. 

In my opinion, I really find it hard to believe that Bill Belichick and New England's front office will just Light walk; the Patriots will offer Light some type of low-cost contract. 

It's not guaranteed that Solder will be the team's starting left tackle in 2011, as he's rather undersized with his 320 lbs. frame—320 lbs. is huge, but not for a 6'8" tackle. Solder needs to add more muscle mass in order to kept against bull rushing linebackers and defensive ends. 

If the Patriots do re-sign Light to some type of a "hometown discount" kind of deal, Light could start a few games, if not all 16, for the Patriots in 2011. 

By selecting Solder gives New England a lot of options—and the more intriguing one is bringing back Light for a couple of seasons which will enable New England to have time to develop and groom Solder. 

The Patriots could have struck gold with Solder, as I'm predicting he'll be an All-Pro caliber left tackle, but he may not be ready quite yet—which opens the possibility of Light returning as a Patriot in 2011 and beyond.

This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @  TonySantorsa.