According CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora the Patriots are among a handful of teams interested in Chargers free agent defensive lineman Vaughn Martin. The report indicates that San Diego is "hoping to retain" the 6-4, 297-pounder, but that he's also drawing interest from the Eagles, Lions, Saints and New England.
Martin started all 12 games he played in for the Chargers last fall, and 27 games in San Diego over the last two seasons. He took a unique road to the NFL. He was born in Jamaica, grew up in Canada and then played at the University of Western Ontario before earning his NFL chance as a fourth-round pick in 2009 despite not being invited to the Combine.
Martin finished last season on injured reserve with a groin injury that did not require surgery. He played left end in San Diego.
The Patriots could clearly use some depth on the defensive line. The team was previously linked to Desmond Bryant this offseason before he landed with the Browns. New England has also be linked to defensive end/pass rushers Elvis Dumervil, Dwight Freeney (free agent visit) and John Abraham (visit).
Martin has just one sack in each of the last three seasons and is seen as more of a run stuffer than an option as a pass rusher.
