Report: Patriots Sign Pass Rusher Jabaal Sheard, WR Brandon Gibson & Others
BOSTON (CBS) - The Patriots did not re-sign Darrelle Revis, but that doesn't mean they're sitting idly by.
The team announced a handful of free agent signings on Wednesday, and media reports indicate more help is on the way, most notably Cleveland pass rusher Jabaal Sheard.
Howe: Time For Patriots To Shift Focus To Pass Rush?
Sheard, 6-foot-3 and 264 pounds, is just 25 years old. In his four seasons with the Browns, Sheard totaled 23 sacks playing in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. Sheard's deal is for two years and $11 million, including $5.5 million in guarantees, according to Pro Football Talk.
Revis is a Jet, and Brandon Browner is exploring his options. Also according to PFT, the Patriots added Raiders cornerback Chimdi Chekwa on a one-year deal.
Chekwa was drafted in 2011 out of Ohio State and has started just four times in 32 career games.
On the offensive side of the ball, New England announced late Wednesday night they've signed two wide receivers, and re-signed another.
Brian Tyms originally joined the Patriots as a free agent on July 27, 2014 and carved out a spot on the roster after a strong preseason. Tyms had five catches for 82 yards and a touchdown last season, and apparently showed enough in practice to warrant being back in the fold for 2015.
With Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell and Danny Amendola all under contract, it's no guarantee Tyms makes the roster, especially given the fact New England signed two more wide receivers on Wednesday.
The Patriots announced yesterday the signings of former Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Gibson and former Packers wide receiver Kevin Dorsey.
It's still early in free agency and New England under Bill Belichick has rarely been known to make big splashes. These recently-acquired players will not grab the same headlines as an Ndamukong Suh or a Demarco Murray, but contributions come in all shapes and sizes.
These signings, while minor, could prove to pay dividends when the 2015 season starts.
