The Patriots surrendered 2010 third-round and fourth-round picks, with a condition: If the Patriots pick up a fifth-round pick in 2010 (their pick was traded to Tampa Bay for tight end Alex Smith), that pick will go to Oakland instead of the fourth-round pick. The Patriots have three second-round picks in 2010.
The Patriots investigated a deal for Burgess, as far back as the draft, but didn’t pull the trigger because of Oakland’s asking price. They had also pursued veteran pass rushers Jason Taylor, who went back to Miami, and Greg Ellis, who ended up in Oakland.
But a week into training camp, it was obvious the team needed more talent at outside linebacker.
However, what was supposed to be a competition to replace the venerable Vrabel has become a war of attrition. Pierre Woods hasn’t been pushed by the other candidates - at least the ones on the field. Second-year man Shawn Crable has yet to practice and is still on the physically-unable to perform list. Tully Banta-Cain missed his third straight day of practice with an injury. Rob Ninkovich, who was signed Sunday, was being looked at by the Saints as a long snapper before being cut.
Burgess, who turns 31 Wednesday, provides the Patriots with a legitimate pass rush option outside.
“He has all the ability in the world to rush the passer, good quickness, good get-off,’’ said Keith Millard, Burgess’s defensive line coach in Oakland the past four seasons. “He has all the moves.’’
Injuries have slowed Burgess’s production the last two seasons. He had 39 tackles and eight sacks in 2007 but missed two games with a calf injury, and had 3.5 sacks and 24 tackles in 10 games last season, when he sat out six games with a triceps injury.
Burgess has some experience as a 3-4 linebacker playing in Oakland for former Patriots linebackers coach Rob Ryan. According to Millard, the team had a 3-4 package utilizing Burgess as a stand-up linebacker.
