It has been an offseason of early retirements, and tight end is next in line. "After much thought and consideration, my wife Danielle and I know that this is best decision for us," Carlson said in a statement released by the team Jerome Robinson Jersey . "I was ble sed to play seven seasons in the NFL for three tremendous organizations - the , and . I will always treasure the experiences and relationships made during that time but I'm also very excited about the next phase of my life and what's ahead."Carlson was on the back end of a two-year, $4.65 million contract he signed in 2014.A Patrick Beverley Jersey second-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2008, Carlson had his best years as a rookie and sophomore with the , catching 106 pa ses for 1,201 yards and 12 touchdowns.A strong start earned him a five-year, $25 million contract with his hometown before getting cut and signed by the .Over his career, he had 210 catches for 2,256 yards and Los Angeles Clippers Jersey 15 touchdowns.This is the second year in a row the have had a tight end retire before the season started. Jake Ballard, the former standout, walked away during training camp back in 2013.Carlson did not provide a reason for his early exit, though it's safe to say it came as a surprise. He was working out with the Wesley Johnson Jersey team on Monday.The team is not without help. , a fellow Notre Dame product, was the team's second-round pick last year and figures to be a heavy factor in the Arizona's plans. , brother of tight end , will also step up after appearing in 10 games last year.Sixteen AFC teams. Four Heroes. Three minutes per team. The latest Podcast Blake Griffin Jersey . Find more content on .*