Veteran LB James Anderson practicing with Patriots after signing as free agent

Published February 05, 2015

James Anderson is used to being a starting linebacker. Now he must fit in with younger players at that position on a better team.

Anderson signed with the New England Patriots last week after making 102 tackles with four sacks while starting all 16 games with the Chicago Bears last season.

But at just 235 pounds, he's more effective covering receivers than stopping runs while shedding blocks by much bigger linemen.

The Patriots have a couple of openings at linebacker after losing free agents Brandon Spikes to the Buffalo Bills and Dane Fletcher to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. New England didn't draft a linebacker and has three returning starters — Jerod Mayo, Donta' Hightower and Jamie Collins — while playing primarily a 4-3 defense.

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AP NFL website www.pro32.ap.org

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