Byline: MICHAEL FELGER
The latest player to come through Foxboro for a free agent visit, Tennessee reserve safety Scott McGarrahan, certainly doesn't qualify as a marquee prospect. In fact, there have been no fireworks for the Patriots so far in free agency - unless, of course, you count departures - as the Pats have placed their usual emphasis on special teams.
Based on history, however, if the Pats actually are going to acquire a name player, this could be the week it happens.
In the past, coach Bill Belichick and personnel director Scott Pioli have waited for the initial wave of signings to subside and the market to settle before making their moves. Last year, that strategy led them to the second week of free agency, when they nabbed Rosevelt Colvin and Tyrone Poole on March 11 and Rodney Harrison on March 12. The year before, they used the same timing, signing receiver Donald Hayes on March 12, although the results weren't nearly as positive.
Will a big name like Colvin be headed to New England this week? Not likely.
So far, the Pats have only nibbled around the edges of free agency, hosting former Buffalo fullback Sammy Morris along with McGarrahan yesterday. Morris will visit Miami today and was in Cleveland last Saturday.
Last week, the Pats brought in Pittsburgh restricted free agent defensive end Rodney Bailey and signed him to an offer sheet. The Pats still are waiting to see if the Steelers will match their $1.3 million, one-year offer. The deadline is Thursday.
Morris is an intriguing prospect for the Pats given his versatility (he's played both tailback and fullback), his experience in the AFC East and his experience in cold weather. Morris, a fifth-round pick out of Texas Tech in 2000, had a strong rookie season for the Bills (341 rushing yards, 268 receiving yards, five touchdowns) before taking a back seat to Travis Henry in 2001.
Now Morris is behind both Henry and 2003 first-round pick Willis McGahee. Morris had just two carries and three receptions in 2002 before seeing a little more work last season with 19 carries (for 70 yards) and 14 receptions (for 100 yards).
Morris' agent, Mark Slough, said Morris accepts the fact he won't be a primary back next season, but he wants to go to a team that involves him in the offense. The 6-foot, 225-pound Morris was a three-time special teams captain for the Bills, another attraction for the Pats.
McGarrahan is also a special teams consideration. The two games he started for the Titans last season are the only two starts of his career. Still, McGarrahan wound up making a decent contribution in 2003 with 47 tackles and a sack. The Pats could be looking at McGarrahan, a sixth-round pick of the Packers in 1998 out of New Mexico, to fill the void left by Chris Akins, who signed a free agent deal with Miami last week.
McGarrahan's agent, Brett Tessler, said his client would prefer to go to a team that gives him a chance to earn playing time with the regular defense. It's unclear whether that opportunity will exist in New England, where Eugene Wilson might or might not be moved back to corner in his second season. McGarrahan visited Cleveland Sunday and will visit Tampa today.
Meanwhile, the Pats' search for a punter continues. They asked Chris Gardocki, formerly of Cleveland, to come in for a visit, but Gardocki wound up signing in Pittsburgh. That led to the Steelers releasing Josh Miller, who could be a consideration for the Pats.
Compton joins Jags
Veteran guard Mike Compton, who missed all of last season with a broken foot, agreed to terms on a new deal with Jacksonville. . . .
Harrison was scheduled to take part in the NFL Europe mini-camp in Tampa this week as part of his training in the NFL refereeing internship program, but he cancelled because he wanted to spend time with his newborn child. Harrison said he will participate in the program next year. . . .
Free agent running back Charlie Garner underwent a minor procedure to repair meniscus in his knee last week and will be slowed for the next 3-4 weeks. He is expected to make his free agent rounds after his recovery.
