After an offseason worth of rumors indicating a deal might happen, the Patriots acquired Derrick Burgess from the Raiders Thursday. (In a sign of the times, they announced it via their Twitter feed.)
New England will give up “undisclosed draft considerations” in the move. Oakland was believed to be looking for two mid-round picks in the deal, but it’s unclear if they got them.
Burgess is expected to convert to outside linebacker in New England, where the team is in need of a pass rusher.
The Patriots defense is rather young at other positions, but their linebacker crew is very experienced with Adalius Thomas, Tedy Bruschi, and Burgess to go with Jerod Mayo. Expect linebacker Pierre Woods to come off the bench now.
Burgess will be able to commiserate about the bad old times with fellow former Raiders Randy Moss and Andrew Walter.
UPDATE: Michael Lombardi reports that the Patriots gave up their third and fifth round picks in 2011 in the deal. Seems fair for both sides. Adam Schefter points out the Eagles were offering a third-round pick and a player.