NFL Free Agency: Darren Sharper Would Bolster New England's Secondary

New England's defensive strength may be their secondary, but the team is set to hold a private workout with safety Darren Sharper this Monday at Gillette Stadium.

Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald is reporting that the Patriots have not only scheduled a workout with wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, but the team is also set to visit with Sharper. 

The 35-year-old safety has spent two seasons with the New Orleans Saints and played a total of 22 out of 32 games. 

Sharper was an integral part in New Orleans' secondary during the team's Super Bowl run in 2009 as he intercepted a league-high nine interceptions—three of those being returned for touchdowns. 

According to the team's current depth chart, the Patriots are set to roll with James Sanders as the team's starting free safety in 2011. If New England does bring in Sharper, and he remains healthy, he's a definite upgrade over Sanders.

It appears that after Bill Belichick and the team lost Jarrad Page to the Philadelphia Eagles and cut Brandon McGowan, they are in desperate need of a safety, as they are thin at the position.

Sharper would not only add depth to New England's safety corps, but he'd bring a ton of experience as he's been named to the Pro Bowl five times during his 14-year career.

If New England wants to win now, then Sharper may be a wise decision as he's a veteran player that can be yet another small piece to the extremely large puzzle. 

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