The Patriots signed a free agent cornerback today, but it wasn't the guy Rodney Harrison was asking for. According to Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe, the Patriots announced the signing of free agent Deltha O'Neal this morning just two days after he was released by the Bengals. After veterans Fernando Bryant and Jason Webster failed to make the final 53-man roster, the Patriots were looking as if they were going to head into the regular season with only Ellis Hobbs, Lewis Sanders and a pair of rookies (11 career interceptions for the group) holding down the cornerback spots on the roster. Not exactly the deepest unit in the league.
O'Neal has played in a pair of Pro Bowls in his career, and was tied for the NFL lead in interceptions just three years ago (with Ty Law!) when he set a Bengals franchise record with ten picks during the 2005 season. Obviously, he has pretty good hands and can come away with his fair share of interceptions, but he's quite the gambler and never met a pump-fake he didn't like.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-01-2008 @ 1:19PM
Bernie said...
What does Rodney think is going happen when you try to run the show? Rodney just shut up and play man! You don't even run the defense and you want the team to sign your choice? Don't get confused Rodney you get paid to play not to worry about who the team thinks should play besides your Patriots are not going to have the season everyone thinks they are because the AFC has become better this year.
Reply
9-01-2008 @ 8:22PM
obo said...
Yet another corner the Saints refuse to sign.
Reply
9-01-2008 @ 10:08PM
ken said...
Well i agree sign Ty Law and John Lynch to help out Ellis Hobbs and Terrence Wheatley will be great veteran presence for the 2 younger guys this will only make a weak secondary a little better and if they can find away to sign Deltha O'Neal also he was best in league i believe in 2005 with Ty Law in interceptions
Reply