NFL Rumors: New England Patriots should sign James Anderson
The New England Patriots made a few big upgrades on the defensive side of the ball this offseason.
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The Patriots added former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets’ cornerback Darrelle Revis, who has been one of the game’s elite players, former Seattle Seahawks’ cornerback Brandon Browner and former New Orleans Saints’ defensive lineman Will Smith. All of those players should provide as upgrades, but the Patriots could still use another pass rusher or two and another linebacker.
One potential free agent that could offer the Patriots a nice upgrade at the position is former Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears’ linebacker James Anderson.
Field Yates of ESPN Boston thinks the Patriots should sign Anderson.
"Sign him: LB James Anderson. Many of the players still available to sign have an injury red flag or are coming off of a poor 2013 season. That’s not the case with Anderson, a 30-year old that just racked up 100 tackles for the Bears last season. This isn’t to suggest that he’s a standout that would challenge for immediate starting duties, but given the depth concerns at linebacker, Anderson — who has the range and instincts to defend the pass — makes sense. He was recently in for a visit, so the Patriots have already begun doing their homework on him."
Anderson played his college ball with the Virginia Tech Hokies, was drafted by the Panthers with the 88th-overall pick in the third round of 2006 draft. He played with the Panthers until 2013 when he joined the Bears. He made 102 tackles and 4.0 sacks for the Bears last season.