Patriots Sign DL Damione Lewis

The Patriots have signed veteran defensive tackle Damione Lewis

The Patriots have added a new face to their defensive line.  According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Patriots have agreed to a contract with former Panthers and Rams defensive tackle Damione Lewis.

The deal will reportedly contain a low amount of guaranteed money, but shouldn’t be worth more than the $755,000 Lewis earned last season.

At 6′2″ and just over 300 pounds, Damione Lewis has played exclusively defensive tackle in the 4-3 for his career.  He has put up some decent sack numbers, but was primarily a run stuffer last year in Carolina when he started all sixteen games.  For the Patriots, Lewis should be able to play multiple positions.  While his size would project him the defensive end in the Patriots’ 3-4, he could probably slide inside over nose.  Assuming he makes the roster, the majority of his contributions will probably come as a rush defensive tackle in four man fronts, likely on third downs.

While this isn’t a blockbuster signing, it is certainly a solid pickup, as Lewis should be able to find himself a niche in the Patriots defensive line rotation.