According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the New England Patriots have signed former Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Marcus Stroud to a two year contract.
Stroud, who turns 33 in June, stands at 6'6" and 310 pounds and has experience as both a 4-3 defensive tackle and as a 3-4 end, playing in the system last year in Buffalo. Stroud is a three-time Pro Bowler and a one time first team All-Pro player. While Stroud has regressed to some extent as of late, he should provide decent depth and camp competition at the defensive line spot. He could compete with the likes of Gerard Warren for a spot along the defensive line, in more of a veteran leadership/spot starter role.
While Stroud certainly isn't the All-Pro player he once was, I find it pretty telling that he was signed to a two year deal, especially with the impending NFL lockout in just a few days. He probably will not start. He's not even a guarantee to make the roster. But by signing Stroud, the Patriots get a player that should grant the team more flexibility at the defensive end position heading into the draft as well as a proven veteran asset that can add depth to the defensive line if needed. While the deal's numbers have yet to be released, this seems like a low risk-high reward type of deal to me.