FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Patriots worked out free-agent outside linebacker Matt Roth, according to a league source. Roth is a pass-rusher who could be the next piece in Bill Belichick's revamped defense.
The 28-year-old Roth has played for the Dolphins (2005-2009) and Browns (2009-2010), and has a background in the Patriots' defensive system from his time with those clubs. The Browns' coach the last two seasons, Eric Mangini, ran a similar defense to New England. When Roth was in Miami, the Dolphins' defense was in the mold of Bill Parcells, the team's executive vice president at the time.
Roth (6-4, 275) would project to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, but would also fit as a defensive end in a four-man line, which the Patriots have been using in training camp with Albert Haynesworth and Vince Wilfork in the middle as defensive tackles. Roth started 16 games last season for the Browns, finishing with 59 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
Roth played in college at Iowa.
In addition to Roth, the Patriots also worked out center/guard Chris Morris (6-4, 305). The 28-year-old Morris has played for the Raiders (2006-2009) and Panthers (2010). The Patriots have been shorthanded along the offensive line in training camp, but will have left guard Logan Mankins and left tackle Matt Light returning to the field Aug. 4.