Deltha O'Neal
Deltha O'Neal The defending AFC Champion New England Patriots added some depth to their defensive backfield by signing two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Deltha O'Neal. O'Neal was cut by the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. It did not take the Pats long to snatch up the veteran.

Now entering his 9th NFL season, O'Neal was originally taken by the Denver Broncos with the 15th pick over-all in the 2000 draft. He spent four seasons in Denver before being dealt to Cincinnati on draft-day 2004. Over his 8 years in the league, O'Neal played 116 games, including 75 starts. He recorded 31 interceptions, 3 for touchdowns.

O'Neal is just another in a long line of former stars
now set to play role-player in Bill Belichick's defense. Belichick has proven to have a keen eye for players other teams think are past their prime.

In another move, New England cut veteran safety John Lynch. The nine-time Pro-Bowler was released, however some experts think he may be re-signed after week one.

"It goes without saying but John is an all-time great safety, one of the leagues classiest professionals and he elite play speaks for itself," said coach Belichick about the 37 year-old Lynch. "I would not rule anything out down the road."

During the last decade, the Patriots have frequently signed veterans and often released them, only to re-sign them later if Belichick needs them.