The Patriots linebacker quest

Today the Patriots signed free agent linebacker T.J. Slaughter. A journeyman LB originally signed by Jacksonville in the 3rd round of the 2000 draft. He played sparingly until Jack Del Rio cut him in 2003 after a felony gun charge. In 2002 Slaughter was suspended by the NFL for violating the league's steroid policy. After Jacksonville he went to Baltimore for the 2004 season, and then to New Orleans in 2005.San Francisco picked him up 2006 and then placed him on injured reserve due to a torn tendon in his finger .Perhaps Bill Belichick is trying to find another Mike Vrabel. First year all star Mike Vrabel was a little used backup in Pittsburgh who exemplifies Belichick’s ideal linebacker by being a smart, hard hitting blue collar player. Slaughter will be competing with home grown linebackers Pierre Woods and Eric Alexander for a roster spot. A better route would be to try to sign unrestricted free agent Teddy Lehman from Detroit. Teddy looks like a Belichick type linebacker, he scored a 39 on the wonderlic (average is 21) , he is 27 6’1 238#. He should be considered as a low risk/cost acquisition. Dontarrious Thomas from Minnesota would also be a good free agent pickup and at 28 6’2 241# would be excellent as a complement to Adalius Thomas. Pittsburgh outside linebacker Clark Haggans would fit the Patriots linebacker philosophy. Clark is an experienced linebacker with eight years in a perennial top rated defense , he has reach and at 6’4 243# would be good at both run defense and as a pass rusher. Brandon Chillar would also be a good risk. The St Louis Ram has four years experience and seems to be gaining good game experience ,and with 2007 being his best statistical year (3 pass def, 3 sacks & 54 solo tackles). Chillar has good size 6’3 242# and at 25 years old he could be the sleeper free agent pickup of the 2008 season.