Patriots Sign LS Hodel, CB Bodden

By KC Downey in Patriots ⋅ March 11, 2009 at 4:14am ⋅ Post a comment

The Patriots signed long snapper Nathan Hodel and cornerback Leigh Bodden on Thursday to help fill voids on the team. Terms of Hodel’s deal were not released, but Bodden reportedly will make the veteran minimum of $750,000.

Hodel replaces Lonie Paxton, who left to sign with the Broncos after nine years in New England. Bodden, meanwhile, helps bolster a secondary still reeling from injuries and the departure of Asante Samuel before last season.

Hodel was recently released by the NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals primarily because he was due a $200,000 roster bonus. According to the Arizona Republic, Hodel apparently was a negative influence in the lockerroom and had trouble with his snapping accuracy.

Reaction: We should remember that Hodel was the snapper when Neil Rackers hit an NFL-record 40 field goals and a ridiculous 95.2% FG% (40-42). Hopefully a change of scenery can help him.

Bodden, 27, will compete with Shawn Springs, among others, to help a depleted secondary. Bodden finished with 73 tackles and one interception last season for the 0-16 Lions. The Patriots, meanwhile, finished 11-5 last year and 16-0 in 2007. A change of scenery will definitely help him.