The Patriots bolstered their defense by acquiring two-time pro bowler DE/OLB Derrick Burgess from the Oakland Raiders. Burgess, 6-2, 260 pounds, is a veteran of eight NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles (2001-2004) and the Oakland Raiders (2005-2008). Burgess originally joined the NFL as a third-round draft pick by Philadelphia (63rd overall) out of Mississippi in 2001. He has accumulated 227 total tackles, 47 sacks during his career. In his two pro bowl seasons ('05 and '06) Burgess accumulated 27 sacks combined.
Ian R. Rapoport, from the Boston Herald, notes that when Belichick finally traded with the Eagles for Greg Lewis in March, it was a long time coming. In fact, the Patriots coach disclosed yesterday that he has actually been attempting to trade for the versatile receiver since he was a rookie in 2003. And when Belichick spoke with Eagles coach Andy Reid about the eventual trade that sent cornerback Ellis Hobbs to Philadelphia in April, they joked about whether Reid wanted to reclaim Lewis.
"Greg has killed us every time we played them," Belichick said. "We haven't been able to cover him. We knew a lot about him coming out (of Illinois for the draft) and we spent a lot of time with the (Illini players). We were interested. It was like an annual conversation I had with Andy Reid, where we would discuss Greg Lewis. He's just a guy that we've had a lot of interest in who fits our system. He's a smart guy, a high-character guy at a really good price who is versatile."
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