NFL Free Agency: Mark Anderson Could Be a Diamond in the Rough for the Patriots

The New England Patriots have signed pass rusher Mark Anderson to an undisclosed contract, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston. 

The 28-year-old Anderson came onto the scene fast during his rookie season with the Chicago Bears when he recorded a career-high 12 sacks, which was more than any other rookie in 2006.

Despite Anderson's early success with the Bears, his production has been on the decline. He most recently played with the Houston Texans for the final 11 games of last season after being cut by Chicago.

During Anderson's six-year career, he's played in a total of 77 games while starting 20 of them. In those games he tallied up 25.5 sacks and 134 total tackles. 

Anderson is a typical 4-3 defensive end and will likely work out as a linebacker in New England's 3-4 defense. 

However, according to recent reports, New England has been showing signs of installing different variances out of a four-man front, which could open the door for Anderson to play his natural position, a 4-3 defensive end.

Whether or not Anderson plays with his hand on the ground, he still has natural pass-rushing abilities and could be a diamond in the rough for Bill Belichick.

There's no fluke why Anderson recorded 12 sacks his rookie year. He's simply a talented player with a real nose for getting to the quarterback. 

Anderson definitely still has upside and potential, despite being 28 years old, and could flourish in Belichick's defensive scheme. We'll just have to wait and see.

With this transaction, Anderson joins Jermaine Cunningham, Rob Ninkovich and Eric Moore as the team's top outside linebackers.

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