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Last Updated: Aug 15th, 2008 - 16:25:45 |
Nine-time Pro Bowler John Lynch will be bringing his heavy-hitting and gritty style to Gillette Stadium.
FOXBORO - Nine-time Pro Bowler John Lynch will be bringing his heavy-hitting and gritty style to Gillette Stadium, as the Patriots [team stats] and the free agent safety have agreed to terms, his agent confirmed last night.
While Patriots coach Bill Belichick told the media yesterday morning that Lynch was “not under contract,” the snags were ironed out during the day, and the former Bronco has agreed to join the team. According to a source, it’s a one-year deal for $1.5 million.
“He’s thrilled to be with this team at this time in his career,” said Lynch’s agent, David Dunn, who has been negotiating with the Patriots during the past few weeks to get a deal done. “He could not be happier.”
When asked what drove the free agent to the Patriots, Dunn said, “It came down to a very simple desire of winning another championship.”
Lynch, who turns 37 on Sept. 25, figures to replace Tank Williams, who was placed on injured reserve last Sunday after suffering a knee injury in the preseason opener against Baltimore last Thursday.
While Lynch asked out of Denver because of a reduced role and was granted his release on Aug. 1, it’s not likely he’s going to be a full-time participant in the Pats defense. It is believed Lynch will be employed in the same situational role Williams was being targeted - as a hybrid safety/linebacker.
Given his advanced age and all the mileage on his legs, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound defensive back may be better suited to a role closer to the line of scrimmage. He certainly doesn’t run as well as he once did.
Plus, the Pats are pretty well-stocked at safety, with Rodney Harrison, James Sanders and Brandon Meriweather. As it is, the 35-year-old Harrison plays a similar hard-hitting style to Lynch.
Before the news broke, the players sounded excited about the prospects of Lynch joining the fold, particularly his mates in the defensive backfield.
“I know he’s a great safety and he’s had a lot great years in this league,” Sanders said. “He’s a hard, tenacious hitter. He’s a tempo setter and he brings the wood every week.”
Lynch was expected to fly into town last night and be at practice today.
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