The Patriots signed defensive lineman Bernard Holsey the team confirmed late Thursday afternoon. The team concurrently announced the release of defensive lineman Chris Sullivan.
The 28-year-old Holsey is a five-year NFL veteran who last played in the league with the Indianapolis Colts in 2000. As of late Holsey was on the roster of the Dallas Desperados of the Arena Football League.
In his career with the Giants and the Colts the 6-2, 286-pound defensive lineman out of Duke has played in 80 games, including 17 starts. He has totaled 136 tackles and five sacks. His best season came in 2000 with the Colts when he played in every game, started 13 and recorded 76 tackles and 2 sacks.
Holsey joins a crowded, veteran-based group of defensive linemen that includes Maurice Anderson, Daniel Benetka, Setema Gali, Jarvis Green, Bobby Hamilton, Radell Lockhart, Rick Lyle, Steve Martin, Willie McGinest, David Nugent, Anthony Pleasant, Jace Sayler and Richard Seymour.
