Former Jets defensive end, Shaun Ellis, signed a one-year contract with the Patriots on Sunday morning.
At first glance, the signing does not appear to be a big deal, but I am excited about the acquisition. Adding the veteran defensive end continues to give the Patriots versatility and flexibility with their defense this season. Whatever scheme the Pats decide to run as their "base" formation, Bill Belichick has always run a multiple defense.
I see Ellis contributing mostly as a defensive end when the Patriots run their 3-4 system or penetrating defensive tackle in the 4-3. The team once again adds another disrupter that can beat the guys in front of him. In my opinion, the Pats did not have enough of those players last year.
I believe Ellis still has plenty left in the tank. Pro Football Talk ranked him as the 4th best 3-4 defensive end last season. I would not expect double-digits sacks from him this year, but he has 72.5 sacks over the course of his 11 year career and he's had at least 4.5 sacks every year since 2005.
New England most likely paid little more to bring the 34-year-old DE to the club, as Ellis was offered a veteran minimum deal with the New York Jets last week. Details of the contract were not immediately available but will most likely be released tomorrow when the paper work is submitted to the league office.
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