Pats added some much-needed linebacker depth today signing former Bear James Anderson. To make room they released WR Mark Harrison. Disappointed to see Harrison go, he had some great measurables but it once again proves that great size and speed don’t make for a great football player.
Anderson started all 16 games for the Bears last season, with four sacks and 85 tackles. At 6’3", 220 pounds he’s a little smaller than the Pats traditionally go at linebacker, but he has solid numbers in coverage and that’s likely where he’ll contribute most.
He and Steve Beauharnais should go head-to-head to be the fourth linebacker on the field, with Anderson being a slight favorite unless it’s at mike. Anderson played some strong-side linebacker as well, but he’s probably too small for that in the Pats’ system.
Between Mark Anderson and James Harrison, this move is really quite confusing at the moment.
Here’s your updated depth chart:
