01:00 AM EST on Wednesday, March 22, 2006

BY TOM E. CURRAN
Journal Sports Writer

With Adam Vinatieri out the door, the Patriots brought in former Vikings and Bears kicker Paul Edinger for a visit yesterday.

The 28-year-old Edinger has been in the league since 2000. He did not have a very good 2005 season in his only year with the Vikings, making 25 of 34 field-goal attempts and going just 3-for-8 from 30-39 yards. He went 1-for-3 from that distance in The Metrodome. In the last three seasons, he's 5-for-13 from 30-39 yards. By contrast, Vinatieri went 20-for-25 last regular season and was 16-for-17 from 20-39 yards in the last two regular seasons.

Edinger was better the farther out he went. He's 42-for-57 in the last six seasons from 40-49 yards, and 14-for-22 from 50-59 yards since 2002. Vinatieri was 42-for-56 from 40-49 the last six years, and 1-for-6 from 50-59.

Also on the market is former Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt. He's one of the league's most accurate kickers ever under normal conditions, but has a propensity for shanking when the heat is on.

The Patriots also had former Saints defensive back Mel Mitchell in for a visit yesterday. Mitchell, 27, is 6-foot-1 and 222 pounds.

Dwight to Jets?

Tim Dwight reportedly is headed to the Jets, where the wide receiver/punt returner got a four-year deal. Dwight spent one season in New England and had a nice year, making 19 catches for 332 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season. He also was the Patriots' main punt returner last year, fielding 45 of them.

With Dwight gone and Troy Brown on the free-agent market, the Patriots don't have an experienced return man on the roster. Meanwhile, sources close to Brown say he may be close to signing elsewhere in the next few days.

tcurran@projo.com / (401) 277-7340