By Shalise Manza Young, Globe Staff

Safety Adrian Wilson, who signed a free-agent contract with the Patriots last week, took part in a conference call on Thursday and discussed how he landed in New England.

"Whenever coach (Bill) Belichick calls, you answer. Obviously being able to compete every year, able to play not only for the playoffs, play for the division, but a chance to play in the Super Bowl" were appealing, the former Cardinal said.

"At the end of the day I want to come in and compete with everyone else, I have no trouble with that. Coach Belichick was very up front with me."

Wilson added that despite reports that he would want to remain in the western U.S., New England was his first choice. "It wasn't a hard sell, but at the same time, talking to coach Belichick and getting an understanding of what he wanted from me it was a good fit."

Though Wilson did not see much time in nickel sets last year with Arizona, he believed it was not a decision made because of his abilities.

"I feel good. Last year, that was definitely a coaches' decision, I don't think that has anything to do with me losing a step," Wilson said. "Obviously everyone gets older...I take good care of my body. I definitely think that was a coaches' decision."

Wilson, who picked his alma mater, North Carolina St., among his Final Four teams, said he doesn't have a connection with any of the players on the Patriots, but has chatted with Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington since being signed.

Arrington wears No. 24, the same number Wilson has worn throughout his career, and would like to retain it with the Patriots.

He hopes he's made Arrington, who became a father just six days ago, an offer he can't refuse.

"I offered him a year's supply of Pampers," Wilson said. "Hope he gets back to me."

On Twitter, Arrington said Wilson "may have to throw some formula in there too."