National Football League

Patriots, Wilson reach agreement

Published Mar. 15, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

Alex Marvez

The New England Patriots caught lightning in a bottle when adding Rodney Harrison to their roster in 2003 following his release by San Diego.

The Patriots hope another storied veteran safety who hit the free-agent market can do the same 10 years later.

Ex-Arizona safety Adrian Wilson has reached a contract agreement with the Patriots, XTRA-910 AM Radio in Phoenix reported. Financial details weren’t immediately available.

Wilson was a four-time All-Pro during his 12 seasons in Arizona. He holds the NFL record for most sacks in a single season by a defensive back with eight in 2005.

The Cardinals released Wilson because of a combination of age (33), salary (he was due to earn $3.5 million in 2013) and what they believed was declining skill. The Chargers felt the same way about Harrison, who proved the franchise wrong by helping to lead New England to two Super Bowl titles over the next six seasons.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Wilson will provide a hard-hitting element in New England’s secondary when paired with starting free safety Devin McCourty.

Rashad Johnson, who was Wilson’s backup last season, was re-signed and is expected to become Arizona’s new starting strong safety.