The NFL's tampering period is about to begin, but Chargers free agent safety Eric Weddle has his eyes set on one team: the New England Patriots.
"It would be funny if I ended up [in New England]," Weddle told Peter King of MMQB. "We've played them so many times. The thing I like about them is they don't have an ego. It's insane to think about how good they've been. I've just been to one AFC championship game. They've been there every year. You respect it, you envy it, you admire it."
The 31-year-old Weddle believes that he has "3-5 years" left in the NFL and would like to finish his career like another former-Chargers-great safety Rodney Harrison (and also linebacker Junior Seau), according to King. Harrison signed a 6-year, $15 million contract with the Patriots in 2003.
"I want to go somewhere I have a chance to win a Super Bowl," Weddle said. "Until last year, I've never been injured. I've never had surgery. I don't drink, I don't go out. My shoulders, back, legs, hip, they're all fine. I think I bring a lot to a team."
Weddle has consistently been a top two or three safety in the NFL over the past five seasons and can play both Strong and Free Safety. He could fit well with the Patriots safety group of Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, and Jordan Richards. Weddle has the intelligence and experience to step into the pivot safety role that I described for Richards, and would allow McCourty to cover the deep half of the field.
If Weddle is willing to sign for a cheap contract, the Patriots should definitely be interested. Great safety play is hard to find in the league and Weddle offers the highest level of ability when healthy.
Weddle also expressed an interest in contenders like the Panthers and Steelers, and the nearby Raiders, according to King.