New England has agreed to terms with linebacker Roman Phifer, according to ESPN.com.
The team has not made the move official, but an announcement could come later today as details become known. In order to make room for Phifer, the Patriots also will have to make another roster move because the roster is at its limit.
Phifer played the last two seasons for the New York Jets and is another player familiar with Bill Belichick's defense. The 6-2, 248-pound linebacker had 45 tackles last year and 50 the year before, the two lowest totals of his career since his rookie season of 1991. He has been a starter for the better part of his career, which included eight seasons with St. Louis.
Last season he had four sacks, one forced fumble and one passed defensed. In 152 career games, Phifer has 780 tackles, 25 sacks, seven forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, nine interceptions and 47 passes defensed.
