The Patriots have announced the signing of LB Bobby Carpenter. Carpenter is 6'2, 250 lbs and is a former 1st round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2006. At 28 years old, Carpenter is in the prime of his career, although he has little production to show for it. Carpenter was traded to the St. Louis Rams in 2010 and was cut prior to the season. He played with the Miami Dolphins in 2010 and with the Detroit Lions in 2011.
Carpenter will likely be given a chance to fight for one of the final linebacker positions on the roster, behind Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, and, likely, Dane Fletcher. Carpenter is a low risk, high reward player, but is different from the Robert Gallery and Anthony Gonzalez-like players- they're all former first round talents, but Carpenter never found his stride.
The Patriots are looking to find a better pass defending linebacker as Mayo and Spikes develop as well rounded players. In 2011, the Patriots struggled to defend anything in the middle of the field and Carpenter could possibly help. While Pro Football Focus lists Carpenter as a positive pass defender in 2011, he has struggled in the past.
Carpenter looks to be a camp body and should be given a fair chance to win a roster position.