Offensive lineman Heath Irwin will be the latest free agent to leave New England, as the veteran has agreed to a contract with the Miami Dolphins.
A four-year player out of Colorado, Irwin was taken in the fourth round of the 1996 draft. He did not see any action in his rookie season. He played in 16 games in 1997 and 13 in 1998, with most of his time spent as a backup. Irwin was a starter during the 1999 season.
Irwin is the fourth free agent to sign elsewhere. Wide receiver Shawn Jefferson, defensive lineman Chris Sullivan and running back Jerry Ellison are with new teams. Also gone are running backs Terry Allen and Lamont Warren, tackle Bruce Armstrong and tight end Ben Coates, who were all released.
One member of the Patriots practice squad also left, as wide receiver Tony Hamler signed with Miami.
