FOXBOROUGH, Mass.— The New England Patriots announced the signing of veteran free agent linebacker Don Davis today. In addition, the team also announced the signings of two rookie free agent offensive linemen Gene Mruczkowski and Joe Schey. Terms of today's signings were not disclosed.
Davis, 30, joins the Patriots after starting 15 of 28 games for the St. Louis Rams over the past two seasons. Last year, he appeared in every game for the Rams, including seven starts, and finished the season with 62 tackles and an interception. He also ranked third on the team with 17 special teams tackles.
Davis originally signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted rookie free agent in 1995. He made his NFL debut with the New Orleans Saints in 1996 and appeared in 26 games over the next three seasons (1996-98). He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1999 and appeared in 29 games over the next two seasons with the Bucs. In 2000, he signed with the Rams as an unrestricted free agent and started 15 of the next 28 games over the next two seasons. In seven NFL seasons, Davis has started 15 of 84 games played. A proven leader on special teams, he has 82 career special teams tackles and 115 career defensive tackles.
Mruczkowski, 22, was a four-year starter at Purdue and a three-time academic all-conference selection. The 6-foot-3-inch, 297-pound offensive lineman played center and guard during his collegiate career. He started at left guard as a freshman and sophomore before making the transition to center as a junior.
Schey, 23, was a three-year starter at offensive tackle at Fresno State. The 6-foot-6-inch, 330-pound prospect earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors as a senior after starting every game at right tackle in 2002. As a junior, he started every game and did not allow a sack at right tackle in 2001. In 2000, he started the first two games of the season at right tackle before shifting to left tackle to start the last nine games of the season.
