<
        >

          New England Patriots

          Pats add O-line depth with Svitek

          • Field Yates, ESPN InsiderMar 17, 2013, 05:34 PM ET
            Close
              Field Yates is a fantasy football expert and NFL draft analyst for ESPN. You can find him on Fantasy Football Now on Sunday mornings and regularly on NFL Live throughout the week, as well as the Fantasy Focus and First Draft podcasts. A graduate of Wesleyan University (CT) and native of Weston, Mass., Yates has previous experience interning with the New England Patriots on both their coaching and scouting staffs.
            Follow on X

          The Patriots signed free agent offensive tackle Will Svitek to a one-year deal, according to a league source.

          The 6-foot-6, 308-pound Svitek originally was a 2005 sixth-round draft choice of the Chiefs out of Stanford and played for them for three seasons before landing with the Falcons in 2009 (he was out of the NFL for the 2008 season).

          In Atlanta, Svitek appeared in 45 games, starting 12, including 10 during the 2011 season at left tackle when Sam Baker struggled. He's regarded as a quality pass protector.

          The 31-year old-missed the entire 2012 season after suffering an upper body injury during the preseason with the Falcons.

          The Patriots have Nate Solder firmly entrenched as their starter at left tackle, but the team does not have an experienced reserve for him on the roster. In addition, Sebastian Vollmer remains a free agent, and Svitek could be a candidate to compete for the starting right tackle spot if Vollmer signs elsewhere.