FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — After seven seasons with the New York Jets, Chris Baker is looking forward to being on the other side of one of the NFL's most bitter rivalries.

Baker said in a conference call Tuesday that his decision to sign with the New England Patriots as a free agent was an easy one, and came without any visits to other teams in the league.

The 29-year-old Baker said he considers his greatest strength to be his versatility, a virtue that is prized by Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Baker said he has demonstrated an ability to both block and get open in the passing game.