Of all the positions on the Patriots' roster, few have as much uncertainty as linebacker, as Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau have expiring contracts and Rosevelt Colvin has a $7.6 million salary cap charge. While the status of those three will be sorted out over the coming weeks, the Patriots made a move yesterday, signing veteran free agent T.J. Slaughter. Terms were not announced.
The 6-foot, 233-pound Slaughter did not play in the NFL last season. He worked out for Patriots officials Dec. 21.
The 30-year-old Slaughter was a teammate of Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas at Southern Mississippi, and in the NFL has suited up for the Jaguars (2000-03), Packers (2003), Ravens (2003-04), Saints (2005), and 49ers (2006). He has some background in 3-4 defenses and he most likely will be vying for a backup spot on the inside.
Slaughter's signing should not affect Bruschi and Seau, who were in the final year of their contracts in 2007.
Elsewhere on the roster, the contracts of practice squad players Bam Childress (wide receiver), Jason Rader (tight end), Gemara Williams (cornerback), and Kyle Bissinger (linebacker) expired yesterday.
MIKE REISS
