PatsFans.com Menu
PatsFans.com - The Hub For New England Patriots Fans
PatsFans.com - The Hub For New England Patriots Fans
  • NEWS ▼
  • FORUM ▼
  • SCHEDULE
  • NFL ▼
  • STATS ▼
  • GAMES ▼
LOGIN | REGISTER
Home › Patriots Blog › 2001 Patriots Offseason
2001 Patriots Offseason

Patriots Sign Cox, Mercer

Bob George
Bob George Senior Writer · PatsFans.com since 2000
Jul 31, 2001 at 7:04 pm ET · 1 min read · 1.4k views
Never miss a story
Follow Us on Google News Follow on Apple News Newsletter

SMITHFIELD, R.I. — The Patriots today signed two defensive players off of the free agent wire. LB Bryan Cox, who had been rumored to be coming to New England virtually all offseason, agreed to a contract today. The Pats also agreed to terms with NT Geradie Mercer.

Cox, 33, is a solid veteran with a reputation for a very short temper. Cox will immediately add needed linebacker depth to the team. His advanced age is a question mark, but he has had several solid years with Miami, Chicago and the New York Jets, who cut him this year as a salary cap casualty.

Cox is now reunited with his former defensive coordinator in the Meadowlands, Bill Belichick.

The Patriots also signed Mercer, a free agent from Philadelphia. He was originally property of the Carolina Panthers. Mercer will be vying for the nose tackle position vacated by the departure of Chad Eaton to Seattle via free agency.

PatsFans.com — Independent Patriots Coverage Since 2000

Support Us: Help Us Compete Against The Corporate Media Giants

We need your help. If you enjoy our content, please help us beat Google's Corporate algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.

Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"

Add as a preferred source on Google News
Read Next LB Katzenmoyer Will Miss 2001 →
About Bob George
Bob George

Covering Boston Sports since 1997. Native of Worcester, Mass. Attended UMass and Univ of Michigan. Lives in California. Just recently retired after 40 years of public school teaching. Podcasts on YouTube at @thepic4139

View all posts by Bob George
Tags: Bryan Cox Geradie Mercer New England Patriots

guest

guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted

📅 This Week in Patriots History:

From our archive - this week all-time:
June 12 - June 27 (Through 26yrs)

  • Daily Notebook: Tuesday Patriots News and Notes 6/13(2017)
  • Patriots Fourth And Two Podcast: The Greatest Tight Ends In Patriots History(2022)
  • Patriots Dominique Easley Stars In Cowboys' Football Camp(2014)
  • WATCH: Patrick Chung Delivers Takeout To Unsuspecting Fans(2020)
  • VIDEO: A Look Back At Highlights From Patriots Minicamp(2022)
  • Patriots 2018 Training Camp Primer, Wide Receivers(2018)
FULL ARCHIVE
📈 Recent Most-Read Articles:
1
2022 New England Patriots Draft Picks – Full List
2
2024 Patriots Draft Picks – FULL LIST
3
Patriots Announce Ticket Increase, Dropping Stadium Parking Fees
4
Heading Into Free Agency, Patriots Have Two Tough Player Decisions to Make
5
Tom Brady’s ‘Life Is Hard’ Speech: Full Patriots HOF Transcript
📰 Follow PatsFans.com
Follow Us on Google News Follow on Apple News Get the Newsletter
Right Now At PatsFans.com:
MORSE: Patriots Position Breakdown - RB
2026 NFL Offseason:
MORSE: Patriots Position Breakdown - RB
By: Mark Morse
  • Patriots News 06-20: The Not-So-Ideal Jacas Situation
  • MORSE: Looking At Patriots Wide Receiver Room and Gabe Jacas Mess

More Patriots News Headlines:

MORSE: Patriots Position Breakdown – RB

MORSE: Patriots Position Breakdown – RB

By: Mark Morse
Analyzing the Patriots' 91-man roster, this position breakdown dives deep into the running backs and fullbacks, including Stevenson, Henderson, and Gilliam.
3 days ago
Patriots News 06-20: The Not-So-Ideal Jacas Situation

Patriots News 06-20: The Not-So-Ideal Jacas Situation

By: Steve Balestrieri
Analyzing the Patriots' 'not-so-ideal' Gabe Jacas situation, Drake Maye's projected $70M+ contract, and Robert Kraft's lawsuit against Foxborough.
6 days ago
MORSE: Looking At Patriots Wide Receiver Room and Gabe Jacas Mess

MORSE: Looking At Patriots Wide Receiver Room and Gabe Jacas Mess

By: Mark Morse
The Patriots' wide receiver room is under review, highlighting AJ Brown, Demario Douglas, and key battles. The Gabe Jacas controversy adds intrigue.
1 week ago
Key Questions Remain After Patriots Mini Camp: Little Margin For Error at Several Positions

Key Questions Remain After Patriots Mini Camp: Little Margin For Error at Several Positions

By: Ian Logue
Reviewing Patriots minicamp, key questions remain for 2026 concerning the offensive line, linebacker, receiver depth, tight end, and Drake Maye's role.
2 weeks ago
Patriots News 06-14, Patriots Wrap Up Spring Workouts

Patriots News 06-14, Patriots Wrap Up Spring Workouts

By: Steve Balestrieri
Patriots wrap up spring workouts, looking ahead to training camp and the 2026 season. Drake Maye's development, A.J. Brown & Romeo Doubs boost offense.
2 weeks ago

Free Newsletter

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW

Join 2,000+ fans getting exclusive stats, analysis, and insights delivered straight to their inbox every week. Never miss a play.

📊
Weekly Stats Deep-dive analysis
🎯
First Access New features & tools
📤
Breaking News Player Signings & Rumors

Subscribe Now

* required

Intuit Mailchimp

PatsFans.com Social Logo
PATSFANS.com

The longest-running independent New England Patriots site online since 2000. Not affiliated w/any school, team or league.

Resources

  • Patriots Forum
  • Schedule
  • Patriots Roster
  • Transcripts
  • Archive

Stats

  • Offensive Stats
  • Opponent Stats
  • Offensive Line
  • Snaps Overview
  • Penalties

Analysis

  • Snap Analysis
  • Personnel Groupings
  • Stats By Personnel
  • Top 10 Plays
  • Offensive Line
  • Defensive Totals

Site

  • About Us
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Contact Us

© 2000-2026 PatsFans.com

Privacy Policy Advertise RSS Feed
wpDiscuz