Beisel lands with Patriots

Free agent linebacker Monty Beisel agreed on a two-year deal with the Patriots Thursday, then hopped on a plane to Hawaii for a weeklong celebration.

Actually, the trip with his wife, Amanda -- to celebrate their third wedding anniversary -- had already been planned, but Beisel said he didn't mind the added bonus of a new NFL address.

"It's extremely exciting," the former Kansas City Chief said by phone after landing in Maui last night. "I'm at the point in my career where I've been with KC for four years, and I've been able to play close to home where friends and family could come watch me on a weekly basis. But I visited New England and they presented me an opportunity to be part of a special tradition.

"I couldn't turn down an opportunity that fits me so well."

Green Bay and Pittsburgh also were interested in the Kansas native, who played college football at Kansas State, and the Chiefs also had made an effort to re-sign him. But the four-year veteran likes the idea of coming to a team that is already a winner, and welcomes the challenge of helping to continue the run.

"When a team like the New England Patriots want you, you have to pay attention," said Beisel, 26. "You look at what the guys have done, and the personnel coming back, and it's exciting.

"There's an obligation there, if you do get a chance as a player, to come in there and help them win. It's a winning program and you want to help keep it that way."

Beisel, 6 feet 3 inches and 254 pounds, began his career as a defensive end before switching to linebacker in his second season.

Used principally on special teams most of his career, he started nine of the 11 games he appeared in in 2004, finishing fifth on the team in tackles with 54. He had 55 tackles his first three seasons.

He should compete for a starting spot on the inside of the 3-4 set with New England.

The Patriots cut veteran linebacker Roman Phifer, perhaps the team's best pass-defending linebacker, and are uncertain of the status of Tedy Bruschi, who suffered a stroke in February.

Bruschi and Phifer, who moved into a reserve role this past season, were 1-2 on the team in tackles over the last four years.

Beisel played all three linebacker positions in the Chiefs' 4-3 defense, with his starts last season being split between the middle and right side, and he has excelled on pass coverage.

"No program is going to tell you it's going to be a guarantee that you're going to come in and start," Beisel said. "All I could ask of them was that I would have the opportunity to come in and compete for a starting position.

"I have to learn the 3-4 defense, get to know the scheme. But any time a linebacker gets a chance to play in a 3-4, it's a great opportunity. That's attractive for a linebacker."

Beisel plans to join the Patriots' offseason workouts April 18.