Interest heats up in free agent pass rusher Mark Anderson

Posted by Evan Silva on March 18, 2012, 1:36 PM EDT
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Free agent Mark Anderson can play both defensive end in a 4-3 scheme and outside linebacker in a 3-4. He racked up ten sacks and forced two fumbles during the 2011 regular season, operating primarily as a situational rusher.

Anderson tacked on 2.5 more sacks and 11 tackles during the Patriots’ three-game playoff run.

On Friday, the division-rival Dolphins hosted Anderson for a free agent visit. He is visiting the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

And per John Glennon of the Nashville Tennessean, Anderson has another meeting with an undisclosed team scheduled for Monday.

Anderson is a natural pass rusher, and that quality doesn’t grow on trees. He’s the second best pass rusher left on the free agent market, behind only former Raiders linebacker/defensive end Kamerion Wimbley.

UPDATE: Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union reports the Jaguars also have interest in Anderson, but have yet to schedule a free agent visit.

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37 responses to “Interest heats up in free agent pass rusher Mark Anderson”

  6. Didn’t the Bills just pay Mario Williams two DEs salaries? They’ll NEVER sign one of these two UFAs

  9. Anderson is definitely just a passusher,he’s not strong enough to be a 3 down lineman.But Wimbley can play all 3 downs and rush the passer.In fact if a team sign Wimbley to be just a pass rusher he would put up big sack numbers. I would love to see the Browns sign Wimbley but I know that won’t happen.

  10. I liked Carter more than Anderson anyway. They seem like the same guy to me. Keep Carter, nab Wimbley, and wish Anderson good luck.

  11. Wasn’t he JUST a bust for the Bears a few years ago after a awesome rookie season… just what id want on my team… a player who is this inconsistent

  13. If the Bengals had a brain (we know they dont) they would throw some money at Wimbley and/or Anderson. We lost 2 DL. We need to add 2. Especially since both could make for great pass rushers in Zimmer’s defense. Id prefer Wimbley but Anderson is more of a Mike Brown player…cheaper

  15. I guess the Pats are saying to hell with defense, let’s just score 45 a game and see what happens.
    lol

  16. I hope the Pats can retain him, but if he finds a better deal elsewhere, I wish him well. He did a fantastic job last year.

  20. It’s funny how Mark Anderson had a good rookie year, disappeared for a few seasons, then had a decent year for New England, and everyone acts as if all is good.
    Proceed with caution.

  21. The Bills needed more help in the secondary than on the line! Instead of runnin the ball on the Bills, teams will continue to Pass all over them!

  22. The Packers better look at this guy to play opposite Clay Matthews. They have to find a center,defensive lineman and maybe a new safety if Collins can’t play. Can’t expect rookies to come in and fill these spots in their first year.

  23. So NE improved the already strong offense but will let the weak defense get weaker? Doesn’t make sense to me. They still need a safety & a quality pass rusher.

  24. Anderson has played well when utilized correclty as pure pass rushing specialist rather than 3 down guy. Anderson = Tully Banta Cain Jr. Proceed with significant caution….

  25. Denver has over$40 mil in cap space. Are we gonna spend it onyone this year or are we hoping to give it all to Peyton?

  26. Why is there this misconception about Wimbley being so good? He’s average at best, he had one good game against SD playing against their 3rd left tackle.

  28. gridassassin says: Mar 18, 2012 1:49 PM

    Didn’t the Bills just pay Mario Williams two DEs salaries? They’ll NEVER sign one of these two UFAs

    _____________________________________

    Bills defensive line nickname: mario and the three dwarfs!

  32. Pats fans: The offseason isn’t over yet. If they don’t re-sign Anderson, they’ll have other options as the year goes on in the draft. Other guys will get cut. They added Trevor Scott, who is just as good if healthy, and they still have Ninkovich.

    They didn’t sign Andre Carter until well into training camp and he was much better than Anderson until he got hurt.

  33. The Pats will let him walk. They brought another Al Davis draft pick into the fold on the cheap (knee injury has slowed Trevor Scott). It’s no coincidence that the Patriots bring in ex-Raiders on a consistent basis. The patriots understand that Al Davis knew what he was doing. That being said, Scott is sligtly damaged goods, a downgrade from Anderson. Trying to save a buck with patchwork roster dealings is going to catch up with the patriots much sooner than later. I can’t wait for them to crash down to earth.
    And by the way- we all know Brady fumbled when Woodson hit him- you know it’s true pats fan. Chowder loving honks….

  35. You people (some) act like the season starts Sunday…relax and let BB do his thing..and when it does things change often in Foxboro..What team he fields I’m rolling with that

  36. “Free agent Mark Anderson can play both defensive end in a 4-3 scheme and outside linebacker in a 3-4.”

    Says who? He played in a 4-3 his entire career in Chicago and played 4-3 DE for the Patriots. I like the guy but he does 1 thing and 1 thing only.

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