Patriots, Giants Interested in Signing Linebacker Brian Cushing

According to a source with direct knowledge of the situation, the New England Patriots and the New York Giants are both making a run at Brian Cushing this week. Cushing has already met with the Giants, but he came away unimpressed with their offer.

The plan is to meet with the Patriots either Thursday or Friday to see if the ex-Texan is a fit for the linebacker-needy Patriots. Cushing, who was drafted out of USC with the 9th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, has appeared in 104 games, starting all of them. Cushing has battled injuries throughout his career, having basically 1/3 of his career cut short. Considering how much time he has missed, it´s impressive that he has continued to win his starting job back when he returns. He would bring much needed experience and talent to the Patriots linebacker depth chart, a group that added two rookies in the draft but clearly needs another veteran.

In nine NFL seasons, Cushing has made 428 solo tackles, 246 assisted tackles, 13.5 sacks, eight interceptions, 30 passes defended, and he returned one interception for a touchdown. Cushing was the 2009 NFL AP Defensive Rookie of the Year after his stellar career with the Trojans. If he was to sign with New England, he would join the long line of Trojans to come through Foxborough during the Belichick era.

-Christopher Simoneau is a Staff Writer for Full Press Coverage Sports Media. He covers the New England Patriots. Follow him on Twitter @chris_simoneau