The New England Patriots have signed veteran linebacker Chad Brown as insurance due to the uncertainty of Tedy Bruschi's status with the club. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Brown, who is entering his 13th NFL season, was released by the Seattle Seahawks in April for apparent salary cap reasons. Brown, a three-time Pro Bowl selection (1996, 1998 and 1999), has missed 19 games over the past three seasons due to an assortment of injuries. However, when healthy, Brown is a more than serviceable linebacker. His 78.0 career sacks are the most by any active linebacker in the league. Bruschi suffered a mild stroke in February and his condition for the upcoming season is up in the air. With the release of inside linebacker Roman Phifer in the offseason, the Brown move made sense for the two-time defending Super Bowl Champion Patriots. Brown, 34, will be joining a strong linebacking unit which includes veterans Willie McGinest, Mike Vrabel, Rosevelt Colvin and Ted Johnson. In his career, Brown has started 156 of 163 games with Pittsburgh (1993-96) and Seattle (1997-2004). He had a breakthrough campaign in 1996 when he recorded 13 sacks en route to being named to the Pro Bowl for the first time.