The Patriots announced today that they have signed free agent linebacker Bobby Carpenter.
Carpenter, 28, has played for the Cowboys (2006-09), Dolphins (2010) and Lions (2010-11) over the course of his six-year NFL career.
The 6-foot-2, 249-pounder was highly-touted first round (18th overall) pick in the 2006 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, but hasn't quite made good on his pedigree. He's made just 10 starts in 89 career games and has accumulated 165 total tackles.
For the Lions last season, Carpenter played in 16 games, making three starts and recording 29 tackles. He also returned his first-ever interception for a touchdown against the Cowboys.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The announcement was made shortly after it was reported by ESPN Boston that free agent linebacker Gary Guyton paid a visit to the Dolphins.