Patriots Sign David Patten

David Patten in 2001 | Courtesy Patriots.com

Today, the Patriots announced the signing of 35 year old wide receiver David Patten.  While Patten was originally brought in to catch passes from Drew Bledsoe and not Tom Brady, by re-signing Patten, the Patriots add veteran leadership, depth to the receiving corps, and a player who could immediately re-establish a rapport with Tom Brady.

While Patten may not be as fast, quick, or explosive as he once was, he showed the team he had something left in the tank, as he was worked out before the signing.  Patten played his last year for the Patriots in 2004, a year he was second in catches, second in yards, tied for first in touchdown receptions, and was first in yards per catch, at 18.2.  After winning his third championship with the Patriots in 2004, Patten moved on to the Redskins, where he was injured for the greater part of his two seasons there.  Following that, he signed on with the Saints in 2007, having his best year since his time with the Patriots, hauling in 54 catches.  However, he was injured for most of 2008, and was released by the Browns this August.

Interestingly, before Patten signed with the Saints, the Patriots brought him in for a free agent visit.  Clearly, Bill Belichick appreciates what Patten can do for a team.  While we likely won’t see Patten repeating his remarkable performances from the 2001 playoff run, he definitely brings the right attitude and leadership to the locker room.  Patten certainly faces an uphill battle for a roster spot, however, he faced far worse odds coming in as an undrafted free agent for the Giants in 1997.  Don’t count Patten out.