You don't need to connect to recruiters, per se. But yes, having a LinkedIn profile will ensure you get a constant trickle of recruiters. Any time you touch you

You don't need to connect to recruiters, per se. But yes, having a LinkedIn profile will ensure you get a constant trickle of recruiters. Any time you touch your profile, expect the number to increase; LinkedIn's algorithm seems to promote newly updated profiles, likely due from the assumption that touching your LinkedIn profile is like updating your resume; you're more probable to be looking for a job than someone who has left it sitting there untouched for two years.