The New England Patriots have shown interest in free agent safety LaRon Landry, according to Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports.

The Patriots should be actively looking to improve their defense during free agency and the 2012 NFL Draft, so it's no surprise they would target Landry. They will have competition, though. Cole reported Tuesday that Landry is also receiving interest from the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears.

Landry had 35 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery last season while suiting up for just eight games during an injury-riddled campaign. The 27-year old has started all 64 games in his career, racking up 290 tackles, four interceptions and 5.5 sacks.

When healthy, Landry is productive. But he battled groin and Achilles injuries this past season and has developed a reputation as injury prone.

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