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The New York Jets have signed unrestricted free agent Brad Kassell in an effort to strengthen their linebacker corps for the anticipated switch to a 3-4 front under first-year head coach Eric Mangini.

Brad Kassell

Linebacker New York Jets Profile

2005 SEASON STATISTICS Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int 74 50 24 0 0 1

Kassel, a four-year veteran, figures to vie for a starting job with his new team. He had played his entire career with the Tennessee Titans, starting 28 of a possible 32 games the last two seasons. Kassell started in 14 games in 2005, and appeared in two other contests as a backup, and registered 89 tackles.

Details of Kassell's contract were not immediately available.

Kassel is the second veteran linebacker go sign with New York in free agency, joining former Patriots backup Matt Chatham. Chatman will probably contribute mostly on special teams but, given his familiarity with the 3-4 alignment, could compete for playing time.

Mangini has said he hopes to implement a defensive scheme similar to the one that he coordinated with the Patriots, a basic 3-4 front but with the flexibility of moving to a 4-3 alignment at times. Kassell is regarded as a two-down player who probably will come off the field on third down.

In his two seasons as a Titans starter, Kassell averaged 108½ tackles. Primarily a run-stuffer, Kassell could become a prominent player for the rebuilding Jets, and will probably pair with Jonathan Vilma, the team's best defender, at the inside linebacker spots.

Kassell signed with the Titans in 2002 as an undrafted free agent and spent much of his first two seasons on special teams. He moved into the starting lineup part time in 2003, then took over at middle linebacker full time in 2004 when former starter Rocky Calmus was injured. Starting in 14 games that year, he collected 128 tackles.

In 56 games and 32 starts during his career, Kassell has 259 tackles, one interception, nine passes defensed and a pair of fumble recoveries.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com