Patriots Re-Up Defense
Gay, Alexander Sign 1-yr Deals
The New England Patriots signed cornerback Randall Gay to a 1-year deal, reportedly worth $1.3 million. The Patriots also signed linebacker Eric Alexander for a year, reportedly at $435,000. Both players are entering their fourth year in the league.
Gay was a restricted free agent and received no offers from other teams during the prescribed period, obligating him to accept the tender offer New England offered him after the season. Check out the stories in the Boston Herald and The Boston Globe.
Gay has been injury prone the last couple years, but with cornerback Asante Samuel's situation still unresolved, signing Gay is an insurance policy -- if he can stay healthy.
Alexander, an exclusive-rights free agent, made his first start at linebacker in the AFC Championship in January. Here's the Globe's brief.
The Patriots currently have 12 linebackers on the roster, and they certainly won't in September. Alexander probably has a good shot to make the squad, but he's going to have to earn it. I think the competition will allow him to keep his spot, but expect to see him mostly on special teams.