Patriots Add DE Andre Carter
BOSTON (CBS) – A major hole in the New England Patriots defense in years past has been their pass-rush. Over the weekend, the team took steps to solidify it for the 2012 season.
The Patriots announced the signing of Defensive End Andre Carter, who tweeted he would join the team on Sunday, giving New England a 10-year veteran known for chasing down opposing quarterbacks.
The Patriots also announced the signing of free agent DE Shaun Ellis.
In 10 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins Carter racked up 66 career sacks. The 6-4 defensive end totaled 11 sacks and a career-high 62 tackles for Washington in 2009. The 32-year-old totaled just 2.5 sacks and 44 tackles in 2010.
Read: Levan Reid's Training Camp Blog
Known more as a 4-3 defender, Carter will join a defensive end squad in New England that recently added Ellis and Mark Anderson. Carter gives the Patriots more depth and an additional veteran presence in the pass-rush, with second-year player the premiere Jermaine Cunningham and six-year veteran Eric Moore holdovers from last season.
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New England was in the middle of the NFL in 2010 with 36 sacks. Defensive End Mike Wright led the team with 5.5 for the season.
