Long responded on Twitter to New York Daily News columnist Chuck Modiano’s open letter calling for Long to skip the White House visit.

Add defensive linemen Chris Long and Alan Branch , and running back LeGarrette Blount to the list of Patriots who say they won’t join their teammates on a White House visit following their Super Bowl victory.

“Oh Chuck. Planned on skipping, hadn’t been asked. Don’t need an open letter explaining my own words to me. Not ‘joining’ anyone. My call,” Long tweeted.

Modiano’s letter urged Long to follow up on the stance he took in September when he supported Colin Kaepernick when the 49ers quarterback was at the center of a controversy over his actions during the national anthem prior to games.


Blount revealed his decision on “The Rich Eisen Show,” and Branch told his decision to SiriusXM NFL Radio.

“I will not be going to the White House. I don’t feel welcome in that house. I’ll leave it at that,” Blount said.

Three other Patriots — Martellus Bennett, Devin McCourty, and Dont’a Hightower — had previously said they would not visit the White House.

Palmer returning

Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer is coming back for a 15th NFL season.

‘‘My intent was to take some time after the [2016] season to get away and see where I was physically and mentally,’’ the 37-year-old said a statement. ‘‘On both fronts, I can say I’m ready to get back to work and prepare for the 2017 season.’’

There had been speculation about Palmer and Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald for next season. Fitzgerald said last week he was returning.

Palmer and Fitzgerald each agreed to one-year contract extensions last year. Palmer’s deal put him under contract through 2018.

Palmer had a superb 2015 season, throwing for 4,671 yards and 35 touchdowns with just 11 interceptions while leading the Cardinals to a 13-3 record. But this season, both he and the team were disappointments.


Walsh signed

The Seahawks signed former Vikings kicker Blair Walsh, the strongest sign yet that Seattle may be moving on from Steven Hauschka.

Hauschka will be a free agent when the new league year begins next month and after a season of inconsistency the Seahawks are looking at other options.

Walsh spent five seasons with the Vikings before being released midway through this past season, but is mostly known for a crucial miss. Walsh missed a 27-yard field goal in the closing seconds of a 2015 NFC wild-card game against Seattle that could have given Minnesota the victory. It overshadowed an otherwise standout 2015 season by Walsh when he led the NFL with 34 field goals.

The impact of the miss against Seattle seemed to linger into the 2016 season. Walsh was 12 of 16 on field goals and 15 of 19 on extra points before being released.

Jackson released

The Colts released 33-year-old linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, a move that will save them about $5.5 million under the salary cap. It’s the first significant decision made by new general manager Chris Ballard . . . Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins was named winner of the Byron ‘‘Whizzer’’ White Award and his foundation will receive a $100,000 donation from the NFL Players Association. The award is given annually to a player for his profound dedication to positively impacting his team, community, and country in the spirit of the former Supreme Court Justice and football player . . . Panthers president Danny Morrison announced he has resigned to pursue other career opportunities at the college level.