The Patriots made a major stride towards improving their pass rush this week by trading for disgruntled Raider (is there any other kind?) Derrick Burgess.  He’s about to turn 31 and is an 8 year NFL veteran with two Pro Bowl appearances to his credit in 2005 and 2006.  He has 47 career sacks during his time with the Raiders and Eagles.  He had been holding out of Raiders camp because he wanted a contract extension.  He’s in the final year of a five-year deal that pays him $2 million per season.  New England released backup center Al Johnson to make room for Burgess.

Have to love this move for the Pats.  Despite all the upgrades made in the offseason and through the draft, the pass rush was still a glaring weakness.  Burgess has played defensive end his whole career, but likely projects as a pass rushing linebacker in the 3-4.  However, there’s a chance New England will employ the 4-3 a little more to try and keep players fresh.