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Fabini gets a look
The Patriots are scheduled to host offensive tackle Jason Fabini on a free-agent visit this week, according to industry sources.
The 31-year-old Fabini has played eight seasons in the NFL, all with the Jets (1998-2005). His first two seasons came when Patriots coach Bill Belichick was an assistant with the Jets.
Fabini (6-7, 304) is coming off a torn pectoral muscle that limited him to nine games in 2005. But the former University of Cincinnati product, who entered the league as a fourth-round draft choice, has generally been known for his durability. He’s played in 114 career games, starting all of them. He’s played in all 16 games of a season in six of his eight years.
Fabini, who has experience at both right and left tackle, previously took a free-agent visit to Tampa Bay. He is the second known offensive lineman to line up a visit with the Patriots, following Kevin Mawae, who ultimately signed with the Titans on Tuesday. The visits might be an indication that the Patriots are looking to add a veteran presence to the line, which was one of the younger units in the NFL in 2005.
The Patriots currently have Matt Light, Nick Kaczur and Brandon Gorin atop the depth chart at offensive tackle. Fabini could provide depth if the Patriots decided to move someone like Kaczur to guard, or insurance if Light has any setbacks in his return from a broken fibula that cost him most of the 2005 season.
QUICK HITS:
* Outside linebacker Willie McGinest arrived in Cleveland later in the day on Tuesday and dined with members of the Browns’ staff. He was scheduled to return to the team’s facility on Wednesday for more meetings with Browns officials.
* Adam Vinatieri is set for a free-agent visit to the Packers this week. Green Bay has the salary cap space to make a strong offer.
* The agent for offensive tackle Tom Ashworth began contract negotiations on Tuesday with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
* Former Patriots safety Lawyer Milloy is set for his third free-agent visit on Wednesday, when he travels to Seattle to meet with the Seahawks, according to his agent Carl Poston. Milloy has visited with the Bengals and Falcons already. Poston said cornerback Ty Law has generated interest from the Seahawks, Chiefs and Dolphins. The Packers and Redskins have also reportedly considered Law. The Patriots haven't entered the mix. Poston added that the Patriots also haven’t expressed interest in another of his clients, linebacker LaVar Arrington.
* Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, breaks down David Givens' contract with the Titans. While it was reported here that Givens' 5-year, $24 million deal included an $8 million signing bonus, Wyatt indicated it was actually a $6 million signing bonus with a $2 million roster bonus due in 2007.
