FOXBORO, Mass. –The New England Patriots signed second-year free agent linebacker Olrick Johnson today. In addition, the team also waived two players; linebacker John Munch and wide receiver Tony Hamler. Two other players will be placed on reserve lists for the season. Offensive lineman Terrance Beadles will be placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury and running back Robert Edwards will be placed on the non-football injury list. Both will miss the 2000 season.

Johnson, 23, was recently released by the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 19. He had recorded five tackles (4 solos) for the Vikings during the preseason. The 6-foot, 245-pound linebacker had originally signed with the New York Jets as a rookie free agent out of Florida A&M in 1999. He played in three games with the Jets in 1999 and recorded three tackles. He was later waived by the Jets, but signed with the Vikings on Nov. 27. He finished the season with Minnesota, playing in seven games, including two in the postseason and recorded eight tackles.

Hamler, 25, had not played in any games for the Patriots this preseason. The 6-foot, 185-pound wide receiver was claimed off of waivers by the Patriots on June 27, 2000 after he was waived by the Miami Dolphins.

Munch, 24, had recorded 12 defensive tackles and two special teams tackles in four preseason games for the Patriots. The 6-foot-1-inch, 245-pound linebacker was signed by the Patriots on March 13, 2000.