Colts Sign Tommie Harris; Patriots Work Out Roth, Brock

Apparently he wasn't that impressive.

Two days after working out free agent defensive lineman Tommie Harris, news broke via Sean Jensen's Twitter account (@skjensen) that the Colts have signed Harris to a 1-year deal. Oh well.

In more promising news, the Patriots are seemingly looking to add to their defensive front seven, working out former Browns linebacker Matt Roth today and former Seahawks defensive end Raheem Brock tomorrow.

Even before Manny Lawson was signed earlier today to a 1-year deal with the Bengals, many Patriots fans and media members have thrown Roth's name around as a possible addition to the defense. The 6'4" 275 pound Roth started all 16 games for the Browns last season, recording 86 tackles (59 solo) and 3.5 sacks. Roth is a 7-year veteran out of Iowa whose experience and dependability can be of critical importance to the Patriots young group of linebackers.

Brock is built similarly to Roth, also standing 6'4" and weighing in at 274 pounds. Mostly remembered for his nine years with the Colts, Brock appeared in all 16 games last season, his first in Seattle. He did not start however. Brock is a ten-year veteran from Temple who had 36 tackles and set a career high with nine sacks. He also has a championship pedigree, winning a Super Bowl with the Colts and appearing in several postseason games. His leadership and experience will be invaluable should he join the Patriots. Plus he'll get to tee off on ex-teammate Peyton Manning and doesn't want to do that?

Finally, Brock did walk out on a 27 dollar bar tab, so I smell another Joan Venocchi column coming.

Follow @RyanBurns88


Tweet

Veteran Free Agent Tommie Harris To Work Out With Patriots Today

In years past, the 3-4 defense was a staple in Foxborough. There have been a few moving parts but Vince Wilfork has always been the constant in the middle, commanding double teams that, in theory, frees up room in the gaps for the linebackers.

Early on in training camp, it seems as if Belichick has different plans this season, signing DT Albert Haynesworth and now bringing in Bears DT Tommie Harris for a workout. The team will not practice today.

Harris who was cut by the Bears after the lockout is a seven-year veteran who has been to the Pro Bowl three times. His impressive 2007 season was the high point in his career so far but his individual stats have declined each year since then.

Last year he amassed only nine solo tackles and 1.5 sacks, despite playing in 15 of the team's 16 games.

Keep in mind that this is only a workout but if Belichick is impressed enough to offer the 6'3" 293 pounder a contract, it would add even more depth to the Patriots' already formidable defensive line.

Follow @RyanBurns88


Tweet