Light, the Patriots' second-round pick in 2001, has one year remaining on his contract, but there's been plenty of speculation that he'd retire this offseason. The Patriots have a pair of young tackles in Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer, and while they needed all three last year due to injuries, there's no guarantee about playing time in 2012.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft didn't exactly dispel the notion of Light's future, either. Kraft met with the media Thursday during a Camp Sunshine community event at Gillette Stadium, and he was asked about the possibility that one of his longest-tenured players might not return for one more season.
"[If] Matt Light decides to retire, he's someone who's been with us the whole time," Kraft said. "He's been such an outstanding person both on and off the field."
Kraft was then asked if Light had informed him of a decision at this point.
"I don't want to speak for him," Kraft replied. "Has there been no public announcements? I think you ought to speak to Matt."
While it can be dangerous to read into these storylines, one thing seems clear: The Patriots are at least preparing for the possibility that Light will call it a career.
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