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A veteran free agent safety formerly of the San Diego Chargers signing with the New England Patriots? Sounds like a good plan, considering how well such a move went in 2003, when the team signed Rodney Harrison. Therefore, the possibility of signing veteran defensive back Eric Weddle certainly was an intriguing one.
However, the former Charger unfortunately won't sign with the Patriots – so there will not be a Harrison 2.0. According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Weddle will sign with the Baltimore Ravens:
Eric Weddle will become a Baltimore Raven.
Eric Weddle got $29 million over four years, $13 million guaranteed from Ravens. Includes $9 million for 2016.
While there have been rumors about mutual interest from both parties, no visit has ever taken place as the Patriots were never one of the front-runners for Weddle's services. According to Acee, the Ravens beat out the Cowboys, Raiders and Steelers.
Not signing Weddle is definitely not a loss for the Patriots, who already have one of the best safety corps in the league with free agents Devin McCourty and Duron Harmon, as well as strong safety Patrick Chung a quality trio at the position. Weddle would have been a nice addition but ultimately, considering the price the Ravens will pay, one too expensive for New England.