Leigh Bodden

Bodden signed a four-year, $22 million contract, with $10 million guaranteed, to stay with the Patriots after getting his career back on track there in 2009, recording a five-pick, 55-tackle effort in 15 games. He'll start at right cornerback for New England in 2010.

Bodden, who is coming off a disappointing campaign with the Lions, could be a nice fit for the Patriots because he had some success in the Cleveland system when (former NE defensive coordinator) Romeo Crennel was his coach. He joins Shawn Springs in the team's re-tooled secondary, a unit that sorely missed Asante Samuel last year after he left to sign with the Eagles. Don't be surprised if he returns to the ball-hawking ways he displayed in Cleveland and if he does, he'll find himself back on the IDP radar.

Bodden set career highs last season as a Cleveland Brown with six interceptions and 88 tackles in his first season a full-time starter. Bodden, who turns 27 in September and was traded to Detroit in March, emerged as one of the better cover corners in the league last year and offers dual potential in tackles and interceptions. If he stays healthy in 2008 (he missed a total of 10 games over the previous two seasons), Bodden could approach 100 tackles and should once again be in the neighborhood of a half dozen interceptions. He has a good nose for the ball and the speed to stay with opposing receivers.

Bodden will compete for a starting CB position with the Browns.

Bodden will be the starting left cornerback at the beginning of the season due to the knee injury to Daylon McCutcheon. The two were in a fierce competition for the starting spot before McCutcheon's injury.

Bodden will compete for a back up roll at cornerback in the Brown's deep secondary.

Bodden has made a name for himself on special teams. He can also contribute at cornerback.