Former Panthers Defensive Tackle Damione Lewis Agrees To Terms With The New England Patriots

Damione Lewis, a former first-round pick with the St. Louis Rams, agreed to terms with New England Patriots according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Lewis was a late addition to this year's free-agent crop -- the Panthers released him just before the signing period began last month -- despite the fact that he started all 16 games last season for Carolina. Lewis initially was one of the St. Louis Rams' three first-round picks in 2001.

Schefter figures that the contract's worth will be similar to the $755,000 that Lewis was scheduled to earn this season with the Carolina Panthers, who released Lewis at the same time they dumped quarterback Jake Delhomme in early March.

Lewis will enter his tenth season, having recorded 22.5 quarterback sacks according to NFL.com. According to Mike Reiss, his "his primary value will probably come as an interior rusher". However, National Football Post's Aaron Wilson writes that Lewis will "play defensive end".

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