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          NFL Nation

          Patriots reach 1-year agreement with LB Ramon Humber

          • Mike Reiss, ESPN Staff WriterMar 9, 2016, 04:18 PM ET
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              Mike Reiss is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the New England Patriots. Reiss has covered the Patriots since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2009. In 2019, he was named Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. You can follow Reiss on Twitter at @MikeReiss.
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          FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots addressed their need for a backup linebacker who also contributes on special teams, agreeing on a one-year contract with eight-year veteran Ramon Humber, formerly of the New Orleans Saints (2010-2015) and Indianapolis Colts (2009-2010).

          The 5-foot-11, 232-pound Humber, who played at North Dakota State, is considered a strong special teams player. He also started 13 games on defense over the last three seasons as an injury replacement, primarily at middle linebacker.

          Humber, 28, was released by the Saints in early February. At the time, he was the team's longest-tenured defensive player.

          The Patriots return starting linebackers Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower in 2016, while No. 3 option Jonathan Freeny is also back.

          Following the retirement of veteran Jerod Mayo, the Patriots also have Jon Bostic (fourth year), Kevin Snyder (second year) and James Vaughters (second year) on the depth chart at linebacker.