Patriots Swap Malone for McGowan

The New England Patriots had a busy day yesterday, releasing punter Tom Malone and subsequently signing safety Brandon McGowan to the team’s lineup. McGowan’s arrival onto the scene in New England signifies the Patriots’ move to stock up on safeties, pointing to the assumption that free agent Rodney Harrison won’t return for another year with the team. On the safety side, the Pats still have Brandon Meriweather, a first-round pick in the ‘07 draft; James Sanders, a four-year veteran; and Patrick Chung, a newly-acquired second-round draft pick.

Brandon McGowan, the Pats’ newest safety to sign with the team, was acquired in an undisclosed deal yesterday with the Chicago Bears. McGowan played four seasons in Chicago, where he was selected as a rookie free agent in 2005 out of the University of Maine. The safety missed most of the ‘08 season due to an ankle injury, but he appears to be healthy now and ready to get back in the game.

Tom Malone, the punter the Patriots just shipped out, spent time with New England’s practice squad in 2006 and 2008. He was originally signed as a rookie free agent with the San Francisco 49ers in 2006 out of the University of Southern California.

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