Barry Stokes was signed by the Patriots as a veteran free agent on August 2, 2008. Stokes was originally signed by the Lions as a rookie free agent out of Eastern Michigan on April 26, 1996.

Stokes, 34, has played in 83 career games with 44 starts for the Miami Dolphins (1998), Green Bay Packers (2000-01), Cleveland Browns (2002-03), Atlanta Falcons (2005) and Detroit Lions (2006). He also spent time on the active roster but did not see game action with the Dolphins (1997), Packers (1999), Oakland Raiders (1999) and Lions (2007). He spent the 2004 season on injured reserve with the New York Giants. The 6-foot-4-inch, 310-pound offensive lineman has started at both guard and tackle in his career. Stokes was originally signed by the Lions as a rookie free agent out of Eastern Michigan on April 26, 1996. He spent much of the 1996 season on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad and began the 1997 season on the St. Louis Rams' practice squad.

2006 (Detroit): Started four games (vs. Atlanta 11/5, vs. San Francisco 11/12, at Arizona 11/19 and vs. Miami 11/23) at RG and then moved to RT for the remainder of the year to replace Rex Tucker (knee).

2005 (Atlanta): Played in all 16 games with one start and helped the Falcons lead the NFL in rushing (159.1 yards per game). ... Saw extensive action at right tackle vs. New York Jets (10/24) because of an injured Todd Weiner (arm) and was a key contributor to an offensive effort that posted 205 yards rushing on 38 carries. ... Started his first game as a member of the Falcons at Detroit (11/24) due to injuries and helped the team rush for 256 yards.

2004 (New York Giants): Did not play in any games in lone season with New York Giants. Placed on injured-reserve by the Giants on September 5 with a back problem.

2003 (Cleveland): Started 13 of 14 games in which he played at left tackle for Cleveland. Missed games at New England (10/26) and at Kansas City (11/9) with ankle injury. Did not get the start at Cincinnati (12/28) due to an ankle injury, but lined up in goal line formations in the 4th quarter. Returned to action vs. Arizona (11/16) and the offensive line did not allow a sack.

2002 (Cleveland): Started all 16 regular season games and the AFC Wild Card Game at left guard in his 1st season in Cleveland. Was the only offensive starter to play every snap during the regular season and postseason. Played left guard in AFC Wild Card Game at Pittsburgh (1/5) as the line provided QB Kelly Holcomb enough time to throw for 429 yards and 3 touchdowns.

2001 (Green Bay): Played in all 16 games for Green Bay, including the 1st 3 starts of his career. Also played in both of the Packers’ postseason games. Most of his playing time was as a reserve tackle or guard. Also contributed on special teams. Made his first NFL start at Chicago (11/11), replacing the inactive Chad Clifton (ankle) in the lineup, a role he repeated vs. Atlanta (11/18) and at Detroit (11/22).

2000 (Green Bay): Played in 8 games in 2 separate stints for Green Bay, primarily on special teams and as a backup at both guard and tackle. Dressed but did not play in 5 other contests for the Packers. Originally joined Green Bay on the eve of training camp and earned a roster spot over several more tenured players because of his strong play and his versatility. Played in the 1st 4 regular-season games before being released on Sept. 26. Returned to the Packers as a free agent on Oct. 23. Did not play in the ensuing 5 games, but saw action in each of the final 4 games.

1999 (Green Bay, Oakland): In his 2nd season with Miami was again allocated by the Dolphins to participate in NFL Europe and spent the season with the Scottish Claymores, starting all 10 games at left tackle for the 2nd year in a row. Waived by the Dolphins on the final cutdown of training camp on Sept. 4. Signed by Green Bay as a free agent on Sept. 8. Was inactive for each of the Packers’ first 2 games before his release on Sept. 21. Re-signed by Green Bay on Oct. 20 and was inactive for the club’s next 3 contests. Waived by Green Bay on Nov. 9. Signed with Oakland as a free agent just prior to the end of the season on Dec. 29 and was inactive for the Raiders’ final game.

1998 (Miami): Began the year with Miami and was allocated by the Dolphins to participate in NFL Europe and spent the 1998 season with the Scottish Claymores, starting all 10 games at left tackle position. During training camp was waived by Miami on Aug. 25 and was then resigned by Miami on Nov. 4 following a triceps injury to Richmond Webb. Spent the 2nd half of the season with the Dolphins and played in 3 games, was listed as inactive for 3 other contests and did not play in 2 games…Made his NFL debut at Oakland (12/6). Did not see action in either of the Dolphins’ 2 postseason games.

1997 (Miami): Waived by Jacksonville during training camp and signed with St. Louis as a free agent on Aug. 4. Waived by St. Louis on Aug. 18 and joined the Rams’ practice squad on Aug. 27, where he remained until his release on Oct. 6. Signed to Miami’s practice squad on Nov. 26 and stayed with the Dolphins through the remainder of the regular season and postseason. Also had a 3-month stint with Atlanta, signing with the Falcons on Jan. 30 following the expiration of his 1996 Jacksonville practice squad contract. Was released by Atlanta on April 29.

1996 (Detroit): Signed by Detroit as an undrafted rookie free agent on April 26. Waived by Detroit on Aug. 14. Signed by Jacksonville to the practice squad on Oct. 22. Spent the balance of the season, including the playoffs, on the Jaguars practice squad.