According to a team press release, New England Patriots offensive lineman Robert Gallery has filed his retirement papers with the NFL, and will walk away from the game after an eight year career in the sport.

Gallery, 31, signed with the Patriots back on March 21. He previously had stints with the Oakland Raiders (2004-2010) and Seattle Seahawks (2011). He was selected by the Raiders with the second pick in the 2004 NFL Draft out of Iowa. After many years of moving around the line in Oakland, Gallery left them and signed with the Seahawks on a three-year deal. However, he was released after one poor season.

His retirement sparked some serious shock waves around the league, but he may be retiring at the right time. Throughout Patriots training camp, Gallery was given multiple opportunities to shine--but was unable to do so. In place of the injured Logan Mankins and MIA Brian Waters at left and right guard, Gallery really failed to prove himself.

With Gallery now off the Patriots' roster, it appears that veteran Ryan Wendell could be considered a roster lock. He and Gallery split reps at left guard, but he's clearly been the better option. With Gallery now gone, the versatile Wendall appears to be the guy, until Mankins returns.

In response to Gallery's retirement, the Patriots signed defensive back Derrick Martin. Martin, 27, is a six year veteran of the league--having stints with the Baltimore Ravens (2006-08), Green Bay Packers (2009-10) and New York Giants (2011). He's played 61 career games, recording 61 tackles and three interceptions. Martin, if you remember, played for the Giants in all four postseason games last year, including in Super Bowl XLVI.