Patriots sign veteran defensive lineman Kelly

The Arizona Cardinals have signed Tommy Kelly, two days after he was cut by the New England Patriots. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have signed former Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Tommy Kelly.

Kelly, who started all 80 games for the Raiders during the past five seasons, was released on March 27.

Since joining the Raiders as a rookie free agent out of Mississippi State in 2004, Kelly has started 117 of the 129 games in which he’s played and has 34 sacks, one interception, nine forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 419 tackles.

He had 45 tackles last season with one sack and one fumble recovery.

The Patriots went 12-4 last year, and won the AFC East.

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