Based on reputation, Springs, who made the Pro Bowl in 1998 with the Seattle Seahawks, would be an upgrade over Deltha O'Neal, whom the Patriots signed six days before the 2008 opener and who started 10 of 16 games. O'Neal is a free agent.
Springs will also serve as competition for second-year cornerbacks Jonathan Wilhite, who started the final four games of the season at left corner, and Terrence Wheatley, whose season was ended by a dislocated left wrist.
Springs, a 12-year veteran, was released by the Redskins Feb. 27 in a cost-cutting move. He spent the last five seasons in Washington after playing his first seven for the Seahawks, who drafted Springs with the third overall pick in 1997. In 157 regular-season games, Springs has 32 interceptions.
Last season, Springs played in nine games, starting seven, and finished with one interception. He missed seven games with a calf injury. The season before, Springs started 14 games and finished second on the Redskins with four interceptions. In 2004, Springs became the first defen sive back in NFL history to lead his team in both interceptions (five) and sacks (six).
Springs was deemed expendable when the Redskins re-signed DeAngelo Hall to a six-year, $54 million deal.
Springs also drew interest from the Eagles - he visited them Wednesday. However, the Eagles were interested in Springs as a safety.
The Patriots pulled off a trade for another wide receiver yesterday, acquiring Greg Lewis and a 2010 seventh-round draft pick from the Eagles in exchange for a 2009 fifth-round draft pick, a league source said.
Lewis, whose first career touchdown came in the Patriots' 24-21 victory over the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX, will be expected to compete for the No. 3 wide receiver job, which opened when Jabar Gaffney left for Denver as a free agent.
