Defensive end Shaun Ellis spent his entire 11-year career with the Jets. An unrestricted free agent once the lockout ended in late July, Ellis has found a home, signing with the New England Patriots, sources tell the Boston Globe. The deal is for one year and contingent on Ellis passing a physical. The Patriots have been busy reshuffling their defensive line in recent weeks. They cut Ty Warren, traded for Albert Haynesworth, and signed Mark Anderson on Friday. Ellis' position flexibility could make it easier for the Patriots to move between 4-3 and 3-4 fronts. (Worth noting: as Bill Belichick pointed out last week, New England has played both a 4-3 and 3-4 during his tenure, although personnel usually dictates formations.) The Globe's Greg Bedard breaks down what the acquisition could mean for New England's defensive line: Ellis has line versatility but expect him to make his biggest impact in subpackages at defensive tackle in a rotation with Vince Wilfork and Albert Haynesworth. Ellis killed the Patriots in the first and third matchups last year, and they often doubled him in the second game. He is an outstanding guy in the locker room. Ellis give the Patriots another player who can beat the guy in front of them one-on-one, and without the benefit of scheme. The Patriots did not have enough of those players last year. Good signing. If Ellis, who registered 36 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2010, is so valuable why did the Jets let him walk? For starters, he's 34. New York also drafted Muhammad Wilkerson and Kentrick Ellis, both defensive linemen, with their first two picks. And Wilkerson is expected to be the starter in Week 1. The Jets offered Ellis a one-year, veteran minimum contract last week but he said he wanted to weigh his option. And apparently he has because now Ellis is a member of the Patriots. http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/31169032
