The New England Patriots addressed some of their defensive issues by acquiring Jabaal Sheard to a two year deal worth $11 million in the latest free agency signing in the 2015 offseason of the National Football League, or NFL. The 25 year old defensive end played for the Cleveland Browns in his first four seasons in the league. Pro Football Talk confirmed the deal on Twitter on Wednesday.

Sheard is expected to improve New England’s defence, which ranked ranked 17th overall in opponent’s passing yards giving up 239.8 passing yards per game and 9th overall in opponent’s rushing yards giving up 104.3 rushing yards per game in the 2014 regular season. Sheard was credited 190 tackles and 23 quarterback sacks plus 7 forced fumbles in four seasons with the Browns. The Patriots’ deal with Sheard is seen as one of the bargain contracts given in this NFL offseason.

New England went all the way to the NFL title in the last season beating the Seattle Seahawks, 28-24 in Super Bowl XLIX last February. Sheard was a consistent presence in Cleveland missing just three games in four seasons with the Browns though he has yet to experience postseason play as Cleveland hasn’t made the playoffs since 2002.

Sheard had a successful college career playing out of the University of Pittsburgh and was picked 37th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. He was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 and proved his worth early in his pro career by being named to the Professional Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team in his first year in the league.

Email j.gloria@IBTimes.com.au to contact author.

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