Well it's good to see that Bill Belichick and the Patriots brass read Boston Bias because just like I suggested earlier in the week when they worked him out, they would be wise to sign Shaun Ellis.
Lo and behold, I wake up today to reports that the Patriots signed the former Jets captain and ultra-dependable defensive end to a 1-year deal pending a physical today.
I'll be honest, I love this move. Defensive end is by far New England's biggest weakness-in training camp, Jermaine Cunningham and Eric Moore have been the starters in a 4-3-so this makes that position much less of a liability assuming Ellis is healthy.
The 6-foot-5, 290 pound Ellis was a first-round pick of the Jets in 2000 (12th overall out of Tennessee) and he's a two-time Pro Bowler. He's played in 16 games in seven of his 11 pro seasons, never missing more than three games in a season. He's only missed six in his entire career.
In 170 career games, he has 552 tackles overall, 382 solo tackles + 170 assists, 72.5 sacks (3 most in Jets history), 13 forced fumbles, five fumble returns and one interception.
2003 and 2004 were his best individual seasons with 12.5 and 11.0 sacks respectively (his only double-digit sack totals).
He's 34-years-old and while he's slowed down a bit the past two seasons (53 total tackles, 6.5 sacks in 2009 and 36 total tackles, 4.5 sacks in 2010), he'll bring some great veteran experience after having gone to the last two AFC Championship teams.
Most importantly, this move not only makes the Patriots better but it takes away a key piece from the Jets' admittedly awesome defense. In short, I love this move and if Fat Albert can get motivated and in shape, New England could potentially have one of its best defensive lines ever.
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