The New England Patriots signed veteran QB Andrew Walter Monday. Terms of the agreement were not announced. Additionally, the Patriots released QB Matt Gutierrez.
Walter, 6-6, 230 pounds, spent the last four seasons with the Oakland after joining the Raiders as a third round pick out of Arizona State in 2005. Walter has started nine of 15 games and completed 174 of 333 passes for 1,919 yards and three touchdowns. After spending his rookie season as the third quarterback in 2005, Walter saw significant action in 2006. He started eight of 12 games and completed 147 of 276 passes for 1,677 yards and three touchdowns. Walter saw action in three games with one start during the 2007-08 campaigns. Walter was waived by Oakland on July 30, 2009.
Ian Rapoport reports Tom Brady believes receiving substantial playing time in preseason games is a must.
"It was unfortunate that I wasn’t out there last year because hopefully that really could’ve helped me out in terms of my timing for the first game," Brady said yesterday in an interview on Sirius Satellite Radio’s Mad Dog Channel. "You never know if I could’ve avoided the hit that I took had I been out there to understand the presence in the pocket. So I want to be out there to participate."
"We’ve got four preseason games," Brady said. "If I play in all of them, I’d be very happy about that."
Erik Scalavino offers his news and notes from Monday's practice, including this highlight which was a hoot to watch.
Brady looked for Moss again in the back of the end zone, but Meriweather was there to make the interception, foiling the drive. Meriweather ran the ball out to about the 3-yard line, before falling to the ground to end the series. He celebrated by doing a little Curly Shuffle-type thing. Cradling the ball under his left arm, he used that as an axis, around which he spun himself by pushing off with his legs in a counter-clockwise direction. The crowd got a big kick out of Meriweather's spontaneous antics.
TRAINING CAMP OBSERVATIONS
- Erik Scalavino offers his news and notes from Monday's practice - LB Paris Lenon has yet to make many positive plays, Matt Light "helped" Tom Brady celebrate his birthday, and much more.
- Andy Hart looks at the improvements made by Sammy Morris, OLB Rob Ninkovich's intro to camp, and S James Sanders' daily contact with mentor Rodney Harrison.
- Paul Perillo reports on the improvement by TE Chris Baker from the morining practice to the afternoon, after staying longer with Brady to continue working on their timing for the red zone drills.
- Erik Scalavino has tidbits from Monday morning's full-pads practice in the blistering sun.
- Christopher Price offers his notes from Monday's practice - morning session, afternoon session.
- Mike Reiss shares his observations, noting the heavy emphasis on red zone drills in the morning session, and the disruptive actions of the defenders around the ball in the afternoon.
- Shalise Manza Young Camp session #10, attendeance and notes.
- Mark Farinella posts his 4th audio blog and slide show with his thoughts on yesterday's camp.
TEAM SHOTS
- Paul Perillo focuses on CB Leigh Bodden, noting his physical style makes him stand out.
-
Patriots Today: Alex Smith one on one; Monday wrap-up. (10 min. video)
LOCAL SHOTS
- Mike Reiss analyzes the addition of QB Andrew Walter, who will probably slip into the number 3 spot.
- Ian Rapoport focuses on DL Ron Brace.
- Christopher Price offers the transcript of Bill Belichick's Aug. 3rd Press Conference.
- Michael Hurley notes that camaraderie, not competition is brewing in Patriots backfield.
- Julian Benbow focuses on Chris Baker and the fierce competition at tight end.
- Karen Guregian catches up with Julian Edelman, who knows the rookie routine better than the punt returner routine.
- Mark Farinella brings up the 'gave up too much for Vrabel' debate, and talks about LB Pierre Woods as Vrabel's replacement.
- Shalise Manza Young notes new coach Scott O'Brien brings passion and fun to special teams play.
- Shalise Manza Young says the Patriots wonder about impact of the ban on wedge formations.
- Mark Farinella looks at the extra work put in by Chris Baker to get that chemistry working with Brady.
- Mike Reiss reports that the Patriots are scheduled to host DE Kevin Carter today.
- Mike Reiss has a great piece on the Patriots' early years and humble beginnings.
LONG SHOTS
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Ron Brace buckled when he saw the playbook. "It looked like a phonebook with a binder around it," Brace said. "I was like 'I know I'm in for a hurting right now.'"
- Tim Graham (ESPN) QB Lemon still not a Patriot. "You wouldn't think it would be too hard to hammer out a deal for an unemployed quarterback with middling credentials to join a Super Bowl contender and be Tom Brady's backup. Somebody's squeezing somebody."
- Alex Marvez (Fox Sports) Source: Belichick interested in free agent DE Kevin Carter.