Patriots John Lynch, left, and defensive back Brandon Meriweather (31) listen to coaching assistant Josh Boyer yesterday.

AP / Stephan Savoia

FOXBORO — To hear John Lynch talk, it sounds as though he’s always been a New England Patriot.

He just didn’t officially become one until yesterday.

The veteran safety, who turns 37 on Sept. 25, took part in his first practice as a member of the Pats and then met the media to explain how he finally came to New England, the club he nearly signed with as a free agent four years ago before choosing Denver.

“I don’t know how exactly it went down but I was obviously flattered when there was an interest,” Lynch said. “This was a place where it nearly happened four years ago when I went to Denver. I was extremely impressed then and I have always admired this organization from afar.

“The thing that has always impressed me the most is the way they play the game. I think they play it the right way. They embody the sense of a ‘team’ as well as anyone. That has led to their success and I think everybody in the league wants to be part of that. I thought Denver would be my last spot, but things happen and I am happy to be here.”

A nine-time Pro Bowler, including all four of his seasons with Denver, Lynch asked for and received his release from the Broncos on July 30 after it became clear that he’d have a reduced role with the club. While it figures that he won’t be an every-down player in New England, Lynch acknowledged that the Pats and Belichick have a track record of putting veterans in situations where they can succeed.

“This is a place where they utilize veteran guys very well. When someone has a track record, you’re interested in being a part of that,” he said, adding that to him, “if you produce, things like [a bigger role] happen.”

Wearing his customary No. 47 — rookie Vince Redd, who had been wearing that jersey now has No. 49 — Lynch was functioning on little sleep, having flown back-and-forth between New England and Denver and spent some time cramming with the playbook.

While it’s been theorized that Lynch will fill the hybrid safety/linebacker role Tank Williams had been learning before getting hurt last week, Bill Belichick wouldn’t say if that is what his plans are for Lynch.

“I don’t know. He’s only been here one day. We have a long way to go, We will see how it goes,” Belichick said.

Belichick also said the coaching staff will evaluate the video of the day’s practice and talk to Lynch before deciding if he’ll play tomorrow against Tampa Bay, the team that drafted him in the third round in 1993.

Lynch would “love the opportunity” to play against the Buccaneers, the team he spent his first 11 seasons with.

While some football observers have said Lynch has lost a step, it’s difficult to gauge that from his last season or two. The Broncos’ front seven was a liability, meaning a talented secondary was often left to make the plays. Lynch was moving well on the field yesterday, and if he has slowed at all (understandable given his age), playing the “big nickel” where he’ll often line up against tight ends and not asked to face receivers will help cover that up.

It is a role similar to the one Rodney Harrison has played in the past. Lynch, like Harrison, is hard-hitting and intense on the field. As a San Diego native, Lynch has run into Harrison, who began his career with the Chargers, on several occasions. Lynch said he has always respected Harrison as a player and looks forward to the two learning from one another.

Belichick’s fondness and handling of veterans, combined with his desire to win another Super Bowl — he was a key member of the Bucs’ title-winning team in 2002 — gave Lynch reason enough to agree to a reported one-year, $1.5-million deal.

“People want to be involved with success,” he explained. “The fact that they have been very successful makes it a place where a lot of people want to be. You also understand what they have done in the past doesn’t really stand for a whole lot right now. We have to create this season by going out there every day and working our hardest.”

smanza@projo.com