Filling a hole

The Patriots appear to be preparing for 2005 without ILB Tedy Bruschi (stroke), though there has been no official word on his status. Adding free agent Monty Beisei, who has the skills to play every linebacker position in the 3-4, was the first sign. Drafting UNLV's Ryan Claridge was another. And most recently, the Patriots have explored signing free agents Chad Brown and Anthony Simmons.

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