Sorry about the delay, folks. A few bits of news and notes coming out of Foxboro today, as the Patriots re-signed a key defensive player and signed a new weapon for the offense.
The Patriots confirmed the signing of wide receiver Joey Galloway, who has spent his last five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Galloway was held to 13 catches for 138 yards and no touchdowns in 2008. However, his season was significantly affected by a foot injury that cost him nine games. Galloway is expected to compete with Greg Lewis for the third receiver position, formerly held by Jabar Gaffney.
Galloway is still a strong target, especially in an offense like the Patriots, who are best suited spreading the field and going deep. Galloway led the NFL in yards per reception in 2007 with 17.8 yards per catch.
The 37 year-old Galloway is a 15-year veteran, playing with the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys before landing with the Buccaneers in 2004. Galloway's career was rejuvenated in Tampa Bay, where he averaged 49.6 catches per season and 782.4 receiving yards per season. Despite his age, he is still a top-tier speed threat, and his acquisition has given Tom Brady his deepest receiving corps of his career, aside from the 2007 season.
The Patriots also announced that they re-signed defensive tackle Mike Wright to a four-year deal worth roughly $7.5 million. Wright is a five-year vet, spending his entire career with the Patriots.
Wright is 6'4" and 295 lbs., and he is a versatile option at defensive end or tackle. He is a big, thick body that can clog the middle on the run, and he can also be a very effective pass rusher. Wright had his best season in 2008, finishing with 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Wright's re-signing gives the Patriots depth on the defensive line, and can help in swinging the Patriots from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense, with Wilfork and Wright blocking the middle.
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