ProFootballCentral.com

The New England Patriots released veteran safety John Lynch. Lynch, who turns 37 in September, spent the past four seasons with the Denver Broncos after playing his first 11 years with Tampa Bay. He has earned nine Pro Bowl selections, including four straight.  “It goes without saying but John is an all-time great safety, one of the league’s classiest professionals and his elite play speaks for itself,” said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. “As has been the case in other situations, I would not rule anything out down the road.”  In 224 NFL games, including 191 starts, Lynch has amassed 1,277 tackles, 26 interceptions, 13 sacks, 16 forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. He has also started 12 playoff games and was a member of Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl championship team after the 2002 season.  Last year with the Broncos, Lynch recorded 62 tackles in 13 games played. He was released by Denver on July 31, and signed on with the Pats on August 15.