The Metrowest Daily News is reporting today that the New England Patriots are interested in adding 28-year-old Edgerton Hartwell to their revamped linebacking corps. The report cites an unnamed league source.

Hartwell was a rising star with the Baltimore Ravens until March 2005, when he signed a rich deal with the Atlanta Falcons. But injuries contributed to making that deal a big disappointment for Atlanta. The Falcons cut Hartwell on Friday.

New England has already signed another former Baltimore star, Adalius Thomas, to play linebacker next season and beyond. They also let Tully Banta-Cain go to the San Francisco 49ers.