FOXBOROUGH, M.A. - The New England Patriots signed linebacker O.J. Brigance today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Brigance, 32, is an 11-year pro who has performed extensively on special teams for the past six seasons in the NFL and has appeared in each of the last two Super Bowls. He originally signed with the Patriots on Aug. 12, 2002, but was released on Aug. 27. In the last six seasons, he has played in 84 games and has totaled 118 special teams tackles. He also has three defensive tackles to his credit. Last year, he played in eight regular season and three playoff games for the St. Louis Rams, including Super Bowl XXXVI against the Patriots.
The 6-foot, 236-pound linebacker spent his first five seasons in professional football in the Canadian Football League, highlighted by a 20-sack season in 1993 for the B.C. Lions. In 1996, he signed with the Miami Dolphins and became a leader on special teams. In 1997, he set a career high with 28 special teams tackles. After four seasons with the Dolphins, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens (June 15, 2000) and was a member of their championship team. In Super Bowl XXXV, he led the Ravens with four special teams tackles. He signed with the Rams as an unrestricted free agent on June 1, 2001 and returned to the Super Bowl for a second consecutive season.
