From ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2438586
Seeking to add more veteran depth at linebacker, and to enhance their special teams units, the New England Patriots have signed veterans Barry Gardner and Jeremy Loyd to undisclosed contracts.
A seven-year veteran and former second-round draft choice, Gardner is the more notable of the pair and, given his experience and the Patriots' lack of depth at the inside linebacker spot, probably has the better chance to contribute from scrimmage. Gardner, 29, has appeared in 110 games in seven seasons and has missed only two contests because of injury.
The former Northwestern standout played for the New York Jets in 2005, appearing in 16 games with one start, and registered four tackles.
In his career, Gardner has 271 tackles, two sacks, one interception, six passes defensed, five forced fumbles and three recoveries. His best season was in 2000, with the Philadelphia Eagles, when he had 60 tackles. The Eagles chose Gardner, who has made 24 starts, in the second round of the 1999 draft.
Gardner has played every linebacker position during his NFL career and that versatility is one element that attracted New England officials. He is probably best suited, in the Patriots' 3-4 scheme, to one of the inside linebacker slots, where the team can use more experience.
Another component of Gardner's game that the Patriots like is his solid play on special teams coverage units. In stints with the Eagles (1999-2002), Cleveland (2003-2004) and Jets (2005), Gardner has 92 special teams tackles. He was released by the Jets earlier this spring.
Loyd, 25, almost certainly will have to make the New England roster on his special teams prowess. A three-year veteran, he has spent portions of three seasons on the St. Louis Rams roster, and spent all of 2004 on injured reserve. The former Iowa State standout has appeared in 14 games.
New England lost linebackers Willie McGinest (Browns) and Matt Chatham (Jets) in free agency and released Chad Brown. The departure of Chatham, a six-year veteran who joined former New England defensive coordinator Eric Mangini in New York, was seen as a blow to the special teams.
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My favorite part:
Gardner has played every linebacker position during his NFL career and that versatility is one element that attracted New England officials.
My second favorite part:
The departure of Chatham, a six-year veteran who joined former New England defensive coordinator Eric Mangini in New York, was seen as a blow to the special teams.
I wasn't too impressed with the way our special teams performed last year, so Chatham's leaving wasn't much of a blow IMO. If it had been Izzo....