Apparently veteran, free-agent defensive linemen come in pairs. Not even a full 24 hours after agreeing to a one-year deal with former New York Jets lineman Shaun Ellis, the Patriots have also reportedly reached an agreement with former Washington Redskins defensive end Andre Carter.
The 10-year veteran out of Cal tweeted on Sunday night, "I am proud to announce that I will be playing for the New England Patriots for the 2011 season."
If Carter's tweet proves accurate, this will be just the latest move in the Patriots' massive offseason defensive overhaul — a reshaping that has included the release of mainstays Ty Warren and Tully Banta-Cain and the signings of Albert Haynesworth and Ellis.
According to ESPN.com's Mike Reiss, the Patriots have not confirmed the deal, but a source has indicated that a deal has been reached between the organization and Carter.
Carter started his career with the San Francisco 49ers before moving on to the Redskins, for whom he has played the past five seasons. His best year with the 'Skins was in 2009, when he racked up 62 tackles and 11 sacks.
