Kevin Carter, the 14-year veteran defensive lineman who worked out with the Patriots early last week, has narrowed his future down to two options: playing for New England or retiring.

There does not seem to be a timetable for him to make a decision.

The former Buccaneer stalwart -- he has never missed a game in his career -- was released by Tampa Bay in a salary dump earlier this year, along with current Patriot Joey Galloway and linebacker Derrick Brooks.

It was close to 2 a.m. when this was originally reported, so it seems warranted to post it here as well.