Sources said that if Bodden wasn’t satisfied with his options after visiting Houston, the Seahawks were the next team he would meet with. But all indications last night were that the trip to Seattle wasn’t happening. Bodden also has had contact with the Steelers.
The seven-year veteran emerged as one of the Patriots’ most consistent defenders in 2009, starting 14 games, playing in 15, and posting 55 tackles, a team-high five interceptions, and a career-high 18 passes defensed.
Before coming to New England, Bodden spent five years in Cleveland before being traded to the Lions in 2008. Bodden was given a four-year, $27 million deal upon arriving in Detroit, but was cut after one year when the Lions turned over their coaching staff and front office.
He came to New England on a one-year deal, with the provision he couldn’t be franchised in 2010, setting up this foray into free agency.
Meanwhile, free agent defensive end Jarvis Green will make his first out-of-town visit today, checking in with Denver and coach Josh McDaniels, who was together with Green in New England from 2002-08.
The Broncos already have signed one 3-4 end in Baltimore’s Justin Bannan, and brought in another ex-Raven end in Dwan Edwards, though Edwards left Sunday without a deal. Green has garnered interest from multiple teams, and the Patriots have shown interest in keeping him in his only professional home.
Agent Albert Elias had planned for Green to hit the road as the second wave of free agency heated up and this, he said, is the execution of that strategy.
Tight end Benjamin Watson was in Seattle yesterday, and is planning on going to Cleveland tomorrow, provided he doesn’t have a deal with the Seahawks by then.
Free agent tight end Alge Crumpler and linebacker Marques Murrell were in town to visit with the Patriots yesterday.
Crumpler would fill a major need at tight end, where the Patriots released veteran Chris Baker and stand to lose Watson. Robbie Agnone and Rob Myers are the only players the Patriots have under contract at the position. Crumpler, 32, was a presence in the running game for the Titans as a blocker the last two years, after making four Pro Bowls in his seven years as a Falcon.
Murrell, who turns 25 March 20, served primarily in a special teams role for the Jets the last three years. He is the younger brother of ex-Jets running back Adrian Murrell.
Albert R. Breer can be reached at abreer@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @albertbreer.
