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Pats moves

In a move that was expected, the Patriots signed veteran linebacker Chad Brown today.

The 37-year-old Brown is set for his third stint with the team. He spent the 2005 season with the Patriots, and was with the club at the start of 2006 training camp but was cut before the season began. Brown played eight games for the Steelers last season.

The Patriots also released three players: cornerback Antwain Spann, receiver Jonathan Smith and tight end Jake Nordin. All three were longer shots to make the roster.

ANALYSIS: The Patriots went to training camp with 14 linebackers last year. Prior to signing Brown, they had 12. Ideally, a team would like to have three layers filled on its depth chart at the start of training camp, and the Patriots -- as part of their 3-4 alignment -- appear to have been looking for some more wiggle room. Brown can line up inside and outside in the 3-4, so he's an ideal addition who can fill multiple spots in camp.