The Tennessee Titans have a definite New England Patriots influence these days.

Running back Dion Lewis believes the Titans’ acquisition of ex-Patriots like himself and cornerback Malcolm Butler says more about their talent than their background.

”I wouldn’t say (they’re trying to replicate New England here) Roquan Smith Jersey Youth ,” Lewis said Thursday.

”I’d just say they’re trying to bring good football players here – good, smart football players. I’m just happy they thought I’m one of those players to help.”

The Titans announced their latest free agent additions Thursday after both players came in and signed their new multi-year deals.

The Patriots’ connections in Music City began prior to the 2016 season, when the Titans hired Jon Robinson as the team’s general manager. In the 2017 offseason, Robinson signed starting cornerback Logan Ryan, a former Patriots starter.

A few months ago, the Titans made Mike Vrabel – a former Patriots linebacker – the team’s head coach, and then agreed to terms with Butler and Lewis on Tuesday.

”The New England Patriots are the New England Patriots Cheap M.J. Stewart Jersey , and the Tennessee Titans are the Tennessee Titans,” Butler said. ”But it’s all about having great players, great coaches, no matter what organization it is. You know everybody has the same, equal opportunity in the NFL.”

Lewis is looking forward to working in a backfield with one of Robinson’s first draft picks, 2015 Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry. The 5-foot-8, 195-pound Lewis said he’s used to sharing carries and that the 6-3 Dan Bailey Jersey , 247-pound Henry should make for a diverse running game in new offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur’s offense.

”I think it will be a huge challenge for defenses because you’ve got a guy a lot bigger than me, and then a guy like me that is quick and can break tackles, too,” said Lewis, who ran for a career-best 896 yards last season . ”So I definitely think it will make the defense be on their toes on who is in the game. I think that we’ll definitely be able to work together and use each other’s skillset to benefit each other.”

Lewis also caught more than 30 passes in two of the past three seasons.

”It’s just using my quickness, using my smarts,” Lewis said. ”When I see a linebacker trying to guard me Josh Gordon Jersey Youth , I know I’m expected to win. So anything short of that is not acceptable to me.”

Lewis, Butler and Ryan were all part of the Patriots team that won the Super Bowl after the 2016 season. Butler said he’s looking forward to re-uniting with Ryan after his former teammate encouraged him to join him.

”Me and Logan together, man, (it was) I got the fast guy and he got the biggest guy (in New England),” Butler said. ”We’ve just got great communication and chemistry over the three years we played together. He’s a good friend of mine.”

—

The Latest on the trial of Ronald Gasser, charged in the 2016 shooting death of former NFL player Joe McKnight (all times local):

9:15 p.m.

Prosecutors in a New Orleans suburb say they are satisfied with the manslaughter verdict returned by the jury against the man who shot former NFL player Joe McKnight to death.

Fifty-six-year-old Ronald Gasser had been charged with second-degree murder, which carries a life sentence. The lesser manslaughter charge could mean anywhere from zero to 40 years in prison. Jefferson Parish District Attorney Paul Connick said justice was served. Two assistants who tried the case said they respect the Friday night verdict and added that the McKnight family was happy.

State District Judge Ellen Kovach set a sentencing date of March 15.

Jurors deliberated roughly 7+ hours before returning the verdict in the road-rage shooting case. The killing happened in December 2016. Defense attorney Matthew Goetz said he would appeal.

—

8 p.m.

A jury in suburban New Orleans has found Ronald Gasser guilty of manslaughter in the 2016 shooting death of former NFL running back Joe McKnight.

Manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 40 years.

Gasser shot McKnight after what prosecutors said was a road rage incident that included aggressive driving along a 5 mile (8 kilometer) route.

Prosecutors told jurors Friday the evidence shows Gasser angrily pursued McKnight and shot him from inside his own car.

A defense lawyer said McKnight was the aggressor throughout and that Gasser fired in self-defense Cheap Hayden Hurst Jersey , fearing McKnight would come through his passenger window.

—

4 p.m.

Jurors in the trial of the man who shot former NFL running back Joe McKnight have asked the judge questions about how Louisiana law defines an ”aggressor” and the state’s ”stand your ground” laws.

Closing arguments wrapped up Friday morning in the second-degree murder trial of Ronald Gasser. Jurors began deliberating about 12:30 p.m.

Gasser shot McKnight after what prosecutors say was a road rage incident that included aggressive driving along a 5 mile (8 kilometer) route.

Prosecutors told jurors Friday that the evidence shows Gasser angrily pursued McKnight and shot him from inside his own car.

A defense lawyer said McKnight was the aggressor throughout and Gasser fired in self-defense, fearing McKnight was about to attack him through his passenger window.

—

Noon

Jurors will soon be deciding the fate of the man who killed former NFL running back Joe McKnight.

Closing arguments were wrapped up Friday morning in the second-degree murder trial of Ronald Gasser. Jurors were awaiting their final instructions from the judge. They were expected to begin deliberations in the afternoon.

Gasser shot McKnight after what prosecutors said was a road rage incident that included aggressive driving along a five mile route.

Prosecutors told jurors Friday the evidence shows Gasser angrily pursued McKnight and shot him from inside his own car.

A defense lawyer said McKnight was the aggressor throughout and that Gasser fired in self-defense, fearing McKnight would come through his passenger window.

.