Brian Waters made his name — and five Pro Bowl teams — as a left guard for the Kansas City Chiefs.
But Logan Mankins anchors that side of the line in New England.
That means Waters — the Patriots’ newest high-profile free agent — is expected to shift to the right this season, stepping in for the injured Dan Connolly, Ryan Wendell and Rich Ohrnberger.
The veteran said yesterday he doesn’t expect the move to be an issue.
“You just have to flip everything in your mind when you’ve been doing something for a long time,” Waters said. “I don’t think it will take me too long to get it.”
The signing of the two-time All Pro — who was cut by K.C. in July — helps the Pats protect their biggest asset, Tom Brady. But it also opens up the running game: With Waters on the line, the Chiefs rushed for a league-high 54 first downs and 36 carries of 10 or more yards over the left side.
Waters said yesterday he had numerous options after leaving K.C., but found Foxborough to be the right fit.
“Great football organization, he said. “Starts from the top. From the owner, the head coach, the coaches — I’ve had the opportunity in the Pro Bowl to be around the coaching staff a few times — and I know a number of their players.
“I think this is as good as it gets.”
The feeing, it seems, is mutual.
“I think his playing style is one that we feel like — the way that he plays the position is kind of the way we feel like we would want it played,” coach Bill Belichick said.
