Patriots not interested in Vick

Sources tell Michael Lombardi of the National Football Post that one team that won't be interested in QB Michael Vick is the New England Patriots. Many have felt that Vick might be an option in New England, but Lombardi says he's told that the scheme and the lack of potential to become an eventual starter aren't suitable to him. New England has a history of taking troubled players and turning them around but it did seem that Vick would have been a stretch in this system. -- Michael Lombardi, National Football Post

Patriot News (June 13 - 20)

As part of the Patriots All-Access program, Belichick was asked about some of the team's younger players stepping up. Outside linebacker Shawn Crable, who is a candidate to replace Mike Vrabel, was part of his answer. "Players like Jerod Mayo, Gary Guyton, Pierre Woods, Shawn Crable and guys like that, they've been in here the whole offseason. They haven't missed a day," Belichick said. "I don't think you have to ask them to step up. I think they want to step up and be the players they can be and hit their potential."

The Patriots have hired Frank Edgerly for a position in their scouting department, the Asbury Park Press reports today. Edgerly has served the last 10 years as head coach at Red Bank Catholic High School.

As expected, the Patriots announced the signing of fourth-round pick Rich Ohrnberger. Ohrnberger reached terms with the team last week on a four-year deal worth approximately $2.20 million, including a $451,000 signing bonus. The 6-2, 291-pound Ohrnberger was taken with the No. 123 overall pick, which the Patriots obtained by sending the two fifth-round picks they received from Philadelphia for cornerback Ellis Hobbs to the Baltimore Ravens, who also sent a sixth-round pick (long snapper Jake Ingram) back to New England.

The Patriots announced that rookie inside linebacker Antonio Appleby has been released. Appleby was originally signed by New England as a rookie free agent out of Virginia on April 30, 2009. The Patriots have Jerod Mayo, Tedy Bruschi, Gary Guyton, Eric Alexander, Paris Lenon and Vinny Ciurciu as options at the position, with Mayo and Bruschi the returning starters. Third-round draft choice Tyrone McKenzie was projected to help, but he tore his ACL in rookie minicamp and is expected to miss the season.

Patriots News: Wilfork and Harrison

Pats NT Vince Wilfork talks in third person about contract status

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Vince Wilfork termed his status "day-to-day." He wasn't sure if he'd be able to show up for any practice session, mandatory or otherwise, if his contract situation wasn't resolved. He indicated this could go on for weeks, even months, which would put training camp into play. "My main thing is that Vince Wilfork is looking out for Vince Wilfork, point-blank. Whatever it may be. If it calls for me to miss something I'm going to miss it because I look toward the future. That's how I'm going to roll. Something may change in a couple of days, something might not change. I'll take it day by day. I'm looking out for my family and myself. That's the bottom line." -- Boston Herald

Rodney Harrison not apologizing for style of play

Rodney Harrison explained that it was important to him to leave the game while he could still walk. He said he respects the game too much to put his ex-teammates "through the joyride" of a comeback. He made no apologies for his style of play over his 15-year career with the Pats and San Diego Chargers. "People have called me a dirty player," Harrison said. "I'm a very passionate player. I also understand that this is not volleyball. This is a very violent, physical game, and if you hit someone in the mouth, they're not going to be your friend. That's what the game of football is." -- Boston Herald

Patriots help fans get their passports

The New England Patriots , who will play their first international regular-season game in London in October, are teaming up with the U.S. Postal Service to help fans get their passports. -- Boston Herald

Patriots Rodney Harrison - NFL to NBC

Patriots Rodney Harrison is going from the NFL to NBC

The 36-year-old Harrison announced that he is retiring after 15 seasons (the last six with the Patriots) to pursue a broadcast career as part of NBC Sports' NFL coverage.

Holding a conference call in which he officially announced his retirement, he opened with a joke: "Today is a very exciting day for me. Contrary to what you guys have reported, I just got off the phone with Coach Belichick and I'm very excited about getting acclimated with my teammates and getting back out on the field. Knee feels great. He told me that I don't really have to report until September 1. So I'm very excited about that."

There was silence on the conference call, before Harrison said "I'm just pulling your leg."

The move to leave the NFL was expected. Harrison was part of NBC's coverage of Super Bowl XLIII in February and also did work for the NFL Network during the playoffs. His contract with the Patriots expired after the 2008 season.

Harrison joined the Patriots in 2003 and won a pair of Super Bowl rings. A two-time Pro Bowler, he is the only player in NFL history with more than 30 sacks (30.5) and 30 interceptions (34).

“Rodney Harrison is one of the best players I have ever coached. In the biggest games, in any situation and on a weekly basis, his production was phenomenal. Rodney is the best practice player I have seen in 35 years in the NFL, which is a testament to his exceptional passion for the game and his desire to sustain and improve his level of play. Regardless of his status on the team and in the league, Rodney’s approach to preparation spoke volumes about his devotion to the team and his ability to raise every player’s game. Rodney embodies all the attributes coaches seek and appreciate – toughness, competitiveness, leadership, selflessness, hard work, intensity, professionalism – and coming from Rodney, they are contagious. I am honored to have coached Rodney Harrison and am grateful for his significant impact on my career and the success of the New England Patriots.” -- Coach Bill Belichick