In one of the more meaningful acquisitions since the draft, the Patriots sealed a trade with the Raiders for OLB-DE Derrick Burgess on Thursday. The Pats reportedly gave Oakland third- and fourth-round picks in the 2010 draft.

The two clubs had been conversing for months about Burgess, yet the Raiders' asking price was believed to have exceeded what the Patriots were willing to part with.

Burgess has been an impact player in Oakland, securing 38½ sacks in four seasons. He spent his first four seasons with the Eagles, primarily as a reserve.

Burgess, who has spent his career at defensive end, will be shifted to outside linebacker in New England. The Pats have needed help at the position since trading stalwart OLB Mike Vrabel to Kansas City prior to the draft.

The PFW spin

An unmitigated boon for the boys in the Boston. That's the immediate conclusion to arrive at in the aftermath of a trade that substantially upgrades their biggest problem area. There's a reason that New England had been prodding the Raiders for months and why they courted Jason Taylor so fervently — the club needed help on the edge.

Prior to Thursday's acquisition, the team was faced with the prospect of starting lightly regarded career reserve Pierre Woods opposite Adalius Thomas. It's not that Woods is a categorically bad player; it's just that the former undrafted free agent has little pedigree to prove he's worthy of starting for a club that has legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.

Burgess struggled with injuries last season, yet has unquestioned skill as a pass rusher, which is precisely what the Pats need him for. After finishing second to the Giants in team sacks in 2007, the club regressed considerably in '08. While Burgess is old by NFL standards — he'll turn 31 Wednesday — he's not that old by the Patriots' standards. Throughout his tenure in New England, Bill Belichick has coaxed the max out of supposedly declining veteran newcomers time and again.

If Burgess can come close to replicating the success of the last Raider the Pats traded for, they'll be more than content. That'd be Randy Moss, who's been considerably more than decent in two seasons in Foxborough.

Kickoff is coming! Be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com.