By Jim Trotter
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
3:16 p.m. August 17, 2006
Three days after announcing his retirement from the National Football League, former Chargers linebacker Junior Seau is on the verge of returning.
League sources confirmed that Seau will fly to New England tonight and, barring a last-second complication, will sign with the Patriots no later than Friday.
Injuries and free-agent losses have depleted the Patriots' linebacking corps, particularly in the middle. New England targeted Seau late last weekend, soon after word began circulating that he would announce an end to his 16-year career.
Seau, 37, is expected to play middle linebacker with New England. Current starter Tedy Bruschi is sidelined with a wrist injury and fellow inside linebackers Monty Beisel and Freddie Roach have been battling injuries as well.
Finding a big, physical interior presence took on greater importance for the Patriots after they were gashed for an average of nearly 6 yards a carry and 196 yards rushing overall last weekend in an exhibition-opening loss to Atlanta.
At 6-feet-3, 250 pounds, Seau has the size, instincts and physical nature to help slow opposing running games. He played most of his career on the outside, including the past three seasons with Miami, but filled in at middle linebacker in San Diego when other players were sidelined with injuries.
Before his retirement ceremony Monday, Seau, a 12-time Pro Bowl selection, said he was leaving the game because there wasn't a team that needed him. He said there were clubs that wanted him, but not one that viewed him as a key element to winning a championship.
That isn't the case with the Patriots, who have claimed three of the past five Super Bowls and could be among the favorites again if they're able to improve their linebacking corps and upgrade at wide receiver, where former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch is holding out in a contract dispute.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick likely got an extensive scouting report on Seau from strong safety Rodney Harrison, who teamed with Seau for nine seasons in San Diego. The players parted company after the 2002 season, when Harrison was released (and signed with New England) and Seau was traded to Miami.
Former Chargers coordinator Joe Pascale said he used to balance his defense by playing Seau on the weak side and Harrison on the strong side, adding: “You had to pick your poison.” Seau declined comment this afternoon, but he is said to have informed Chargers President Dean Spanos of his decision.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20060817-1516-bn17seau.html
Good to hear even though Seau is a bit long in the tooth he'll give us some depth until Bruschi is at full speed and he's probably a better choice than either Beisel or Brown.
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
3:16 p.m. August 17, 2006
Three days after announcing his retirement from the National Football League, former Chargers linebacker Junior Seau is on the verge of returning.
League sources confirmed that Seau will fly to New England tonight and, barring a last-second complication, will sign with the Patriots no later than Friday.
Seau, 37, is expected to play middle linebacker with New England. Current starter Tedy Bruschi is sidelined with a wrist injury and fellow inside linebackers Monty Beisel and Freddie Roach have been battling injuries as well.
Finding a big, physical interior presence took on greater importance for the Patriots after they were gashed for an average of nearly 6 yards a carry and 196 yards rushing overall last weekend in an exhibition-opening loss to Atlanta.
At 6-feet-3, 250 pounds, Seau has the size, instincts and physical nature to help slow opposing running games. He played most of his career on the outside, including the past three seasons with Miami, but filled in at middle linebacker in San Diego when other players were sidelined with injuries.
Before his retirement ceremony Monday, Seau, a 12-time Pro Bowl selection, said he was leaving the game because there wasn't a team that needed him. He said there were clubs that wanted him, but not one that viewed him as a key element to winning a championship.
That isn't the case with the Patriots, who have claimed three of the past five Super Bowls and could be among the favorites again if they're able to improve their linebacking corps and upgrade at wide receiver, where former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch is holding out in a contract dispute.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick likely got an extensive scouting report on Seau from strong safety Rodney Harrison, who teamed with Seau for nine seasons in San Diego. The players parted company after the 2002 season, when Harrison was released (and signed with New England) and Seau was traded to Miami.
Former Chargers coordinator Joe Pascale said he used to balance his defense by playing Seau on the weak side and Harrison on the strong side, adding: “You had to pick your poison.” Seau declined comment this afternoon, but he is said to have informed Chargers President Dean Spanos of his decision.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20060817-1516-bn17seau.html
Good to hear even though Seau is a bit long in the tooth he'll give us some depth until Bruschi is at full speed and he's probably a better choice than either Beisel or Brown.
