Patriots already very familiar with new LB Casillas
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| Photo via www.buccaneers.com |
During the 2012 and 2013 preseasons, the Patriots held joint practices with the New Orleans Saints and the Buccaneers, both of his former employers. By virtue of that, they were able to watch him practice more than some other teams.
The Patriots also saw Casillas in the regular season a few times over the course of his career. They played against him when he was with the Saints in 2009, and the Buccaneers last season.
Head coach Bill Belichick touched on Casillas yesterday, per Phil Perry of CSNNE.com:
"We've known, watched Jonathan for a while," Belichick said Wednesday. "Athletic, smart guy. Has played defense -- four-down player -- played defense and in the kicking game. Been a productive player in New Orleans and Tampa. Played against him, practiced against him. I have a lot of respect for him, his experience, and his versatile skills."Casillas has been described as a four-down player, which the Patriots desperately need in the absence of Chandler Jones and Jerod Mayo. They're also getting a boost with the signing of defensive lineman Alan Branch, and newly acquired linebacker Akeem Ayers had a very solid first game last week against the Bears.
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