The New England Patriots announced they had re-signed free agent DL Gerard Warren to a new contract. Warren, 31, a 1st round pick in the 2001 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns out of the University of Florida returns to New England after having played there last season.
Warren who came to the team on draft weekend in 2010 had 28 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 16 games, 10 of which were starts.
In addition to Cleveland, he has also played with the Denver Broncos to whom he was traded on draft weekend in 2005 by the Browns. After two seasons in Denver he was dealt again to the Oakland Raiders in August of 2007. He stayed in Oakland for 3 seasons before signing as a free agent prior to last season with the Patriots.
He is expected to once again contribute on the newly revamped defensive line in 2011.
The Patriots also announce that they released S Brandon McGowan. McGowan, who came to the NFL out of the University of Maine as an undrafted free agent in 2005, spent the last two seasons with New England. He missed all of last season with a chest injury after being placed on the IR in September. He was projected to be a special teams player this season.
Prior to coming to New England he played with the Chicago Bears for four years. He has 184 tackles, 2 INT’s, 4 forced fumbles and 10 pass deflections in his career.
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New DE Shaun Ellis was at practice today, where he watched the full pads session in shorts. Ellis signed this weekend after rebuking an offer of the veteran minimum of $910,000 and reduced playing time from the New York Jets.
After 11 seasons in the Meadowlands, Ellis says he feels disrespected by Jets. He says he has a lot of respect for Jets coach Rex Ryan, “obviously it seems like it’s not mutual.” When asked about the Jets-Patriots rivalry he added, “it’s the same. I’m just on the other side now.”
Ellis’ deal reportedly for $3 million plus $1 million in incentives.
A couple notes from the session today, newly acquired DL Andre Carter practiced, as did Warren. An interesting note on Carter, as we told you yesterday his dad is former Bronco DL Rubin Carter. Turns out Bill Belichick coached Rubin during his stint in Denver in 1978 when he coached under the legendary Red Miller.
TE Rob Gronkowski, G Dan Connolly and C/G Chris Morris were all dinged up during the session and did not finish practice. G Logan Mankins was also shaken up but did return.
The offensive line struggled today; the defensive line that seems to be gearing up for the season threw them around pretty good. Folks, this offensive line is one of the best in the NFL and to be pretty much manhandled by the defense is saying a lot for that the side of the ball.
Patriots WR Chad Ochocinco and his fiancée, Evelyn Lozada were at Fenway Park for the Red Sox-Yankees game Sunday night.
The Patriots practice schedule for Tuesday is 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. with the Patriots Experience running from Noon to 5 p.m. Patriots’ practice on Wednesday, from 10-11:15 a.m., is in inside Gillette Stadium and open to the public.
For all the latest training camp information go to patriots.com/trainingcamp or call 508.549.0041.
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