Patriots rumor roundup: The latest on who’s leaving and who’s coming to New England
With the departures of four key contributors — Danny Amendola, Malcolm Butler, Dion Lewis, and Nate Solder — the Patriots are expected to make some offseason moves to address their growing roster needs.
NFL contract discussions and negotiations are well underway, as free agency officially kicked off at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Here’s the latest buzz around the league:
Monday, March 19
The Patriots have reportedly released linebacker Shea McClellin
:
Source: the Patriots have released veteran LB Shea McLellin.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 19, 2018
The Patriots are among the teams interested in Marcus Easley:
Patriots and Giants among NFL teams interested in former Bills WR-special-teams ace Marcus Easley now that he’s 100 percent healthy, according to league sources
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 19, 2018
The Cowboys are reportedly hosting LaAdrian Waddle:
The #Cowboys are hosting not one but two #Patriots free agent offensive tackles. Source said LaAdrian Waddle is visiting tonight and tomorrow. He joins Cameron Fleming, who is also visiting.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2018
Sunday, March 18
The Patriots are reportedly trading for wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson:
Breaking – Reports out of Oakland, recurring guest WR Cordarrelle Patterson expected to be traded to the Patriots per sources. Please credit
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) March 18, 2018
Source: the Raiders are trading WR Cordarrelle Patterson to the Patriots, with the two teams expected to exchange late round picks as compensation, as future Pulitzer winners @PardonMyTake reported.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 18, 2018
The Cowboys are reportedly hosting Cameron Fleming for a visit: According to the Providence Journal‘s Mark Daniels, Dallas is Fleming’s only scheduled visit.
The #Cowboys are hosting #Patriots OT Cameron Fleming for a visit on Monday and Tuesday, source said. New England would like to bring him back, but that’s up in the air now.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2018
Saturday, March 17
Matthew Slater is reportedly visiting the Steelers:
Source: Patriots free agent Matthew Slater, a seven-time Pro Bowl special teamer, is in Pittsburgh visiting the Steelers today. Intrigue amongst top AFC teams.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 17, 2018
The Patriots are reportedly signing Patrick Chung to a contract extension:
The #Patriots are signing S Patrick Chung to a short-term contract extension, sources say. He was due $2M in 2018, the last year of his current deal. His impressive second stint with the team continues.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2018
Friday, March 16
The Patriots are reportedly signing offensive tackle Matt Tobin:
Patriots are signing OT Matt Tobin to a 1-year deal, per source
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) March 16, 2018
The Patriots are reportedly signing running back Jeremy Hill:
Source: the Patriots are signing former Bengals RB Jeremy Hill.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 16, 2018
The Patriots are reportedly signing defensive end Adrian Clayborn:
Patriots reached agreement with former Falcons’ DE Adrian Clayborn, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2018
Offensive tackle Matt Tobin is reportedly visiting the Patriots today:
Former Seahawks and Eagles OT Matt Tobin is visiting the Patriots today, per source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 16, 2018
Cornerback Delvin Breaux is reportedly visiting the Patriots today: Breaux played his first two NFL seasons with the Saints. The 28-year-old’s last season was cut short due to a broken fibula that required surgery.
Free agent CB Delvin Breaux visiting Patriots today after meeting with Broncos yesterday, per league source.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) March 16, 2018
Delvin Breaux met with the Patriots today. No decision on where he’s signing yet, I’m told
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) March 16, 2018
Johnson Bademosi is reportedly signing with the Texans:
Former Patriots’ special teams standout Johnson Bademosi reached agreement with the Texans on a two-year, $6.25 million contract, per source. Once again he becomes highest-paid special teams player in the NFL, but he also has shown ability to play CB, with three starts in 2017.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2018
Thursday, March 15
Running back Jeremy Hill will reportedly visit the Patriots:
Hill’s fourth, and most recent, season with the Bengals was cut short due to an ankle injury. He opted to pursue surgery in mid-November.
Source: former Bengals RB Jeremy Hill is visiting the Patriots tomorrow.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 16, 2018
Tight end Eric Ebron could reportedly be visiting the Patriots next week: Ebron was released from the Detroit Lions Wednesday.
Scheduled travel itinerary for former Lions’ TE Eric Ebron: Carolina on Friday, Indianapolis on Sunday, followed potentially by New England, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2018
Adrian Clayborn is reportedly flying to Boston Thursday night for a scheduled visit with the Patriots:
I’m told free agent DL Adrian Clayborn “is flying to Boston tonight” for a scheduled visit with the #Patriots, per source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 15, 2018
The Browns have confirmed their trade with the Patriots:
We’ve traded Jason McCourty and a 2018 seventh-round pick to the New England Patriots for a 2018 sixth round pick pic.twitter.com/nPORhxAqZc
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 15, 2018
The Browns have reportedly traded Jason McCourty to the Patriots: There has been a change in plans. Despite earlier reports stating Jason had been released by the Browns, releases are not official until 4 p.m. — allowing for New England and Cleveland to complete a trade, according to ESPN’s Pat McManamon. The Patriots will receive Jason and a seventh-round draft pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
Trade: The #Browns have traded Jason McCourty to his brother Devin McCourty and the Patriots… They are swapping 6th and 7th round picks this year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2018
The #Patriots almost traded for Jason McCourty when he was with the #Titans… but it took him going to the #Browns for it to happen. Now, the brothers are reunited. @mamamccourty doesn’t have to rock the split jersey anymore.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2018
👀
— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) March 15, 2018
The Browns informed Jason McCourty of his release this afternoon. Before the transaction was finalized, the Patriots called the Browns to execute the trade, per source.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 15, 2018
The Browns are reportedly releasing cornerback Jason McCourty — twin brother of Patriots safety Devin McCourty:
Browns are releasing CB Jason McCourty, source says. They’re rebooting with their own guys obviously. He should have interest elsewhere.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2018
👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀(D-Mac) https://t.co/dDecznonPF
— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) March 15, 2018
Cleveland it’s been real! I wish nothing but the best to the guys in that locker room! Thank you to the Haslam’s and the organization for giving me the opportunity to lead and do what I love last season! #DawgPound (J-Mac) pic.twitter.com/exDm7SvWuB
— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) March 15, 2018
The Patriots have reportedly contacted running back Danny Woodhead: Woodhead played three seasons in New England. He was released by the Ravens Tuesday.
Patriots and Falcons showed some hustle and grit in contacting RB Danny Woodhead recently, source says. We’ll see if he and his lunch pail head to either place deceptively quickly to pay a visit.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2018
The Raiders are reportedly going to finalize a deal with Jordy Nelson: Nelson was initially targeting the Patriots, according to Jordan Schultz of Yahoo! Sports.
Raiders trying to finalize deal today for former Packers’ WR Jordy Nelson, who still is in Oakland, sources tell ESPN. “This is going to get done,” one source said of the talks. Nelson on his way to becoming a Raider.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2018
If the #Raiders finalize a deal with WR Jordy Nelson, they are likely to release WR Michael Crabtree, who has a $7.7M cap hit. That is in their plans.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2018
The #Raiders deal for WR Jordy Nelson is not a done deal just yet. I’m told they have real competition from the #Saints. They are making a hard push. The #Seahawks aren’t out yet. He’s still in Oakland, but…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2018
The Patriots reportedly would like to bring back at least one of their current available tackles, Cameron Fleming or LaAdrian Waddle: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Austin Howard is another possibility.
With Nate Solder off the board, the #Patriots would like to bring back one or both of the top tackles available: Cameron Fleming and LaAdrian Waddle. Former #Ravens OT Austin Howard also drawing considerable interest.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2018
The Patriots are reportedly hosting tight end Asante Cleveland on a visit: Cleveland’s only NFL catch to date came in 2015 when he was a member of the Patriots. He spent the entirety of last season on the Chargers’ injured reserve with an undisclosed injury.
Source says Patriots are hosting TE Asante Cleveland on a visit today. Was with the team for part of 2015. Has also been with Chargers and 49ers. Candidate for the team’s third TE spot
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 15, 2018
The Providence Journal‘s Mark Daniels corroborated Volin’s report, adding that Cleveland arrived Thursday morning.
Linebacker Jonathan Casillas is reportedly visiting the Patriots: The 30-year-old started eight games for the Giants last season, recording 34 tackles. He was placed on injured reserve in December after a lingering neck injury became more serious.
Casillas played briefly in New England during the 2014 season.
#Giants free agent LB Jonathan Casillas is visiting the #Patriots today, source said. There is mutual interest there.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2018
Wednesday, March 14
Could the Patriots pursue Ndamukong Suh?
“There’s no way we can talk about a veteran big name player at the end of his career without talking about the Patriots, so of course, the Patriots are going to be in the mix as well,” NFL insider Ian Rapoport said on NFL Network Wednesday night.
Rapoport’s colleague, Mike Garafolo, said Suh to the Patriots makes sense, but the decision will likely come down to how much money the 31-year-old wants to take.
Potential landing spots for Ndamukong Suh 👇 (via @nflnetwork) https://t.co/8GGVoerpxc
— NFL (@NFL) March 15, 2018
The Bills have reportedly agreed to terms with A.J. McCarron:
Bills have agreed to terms with QB AJ McCarron on a two-year deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018
Earlier reports about the Patriots offering A.J. McCarron a contract are false, according to the Boston Globe‘s Jim McBride:
Reports that the @Patriots offered free agent QB A.J. McCarron a contract are completely false, league source confirms.
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) March 14, 2018
The Patriots have reportedly agreed to a multi-year contract with Rex Burkhead:
The @Patriots have agreed to a multiyear contract with RB Rex Burkhead @RBrex2022 according to a league source. Burkhead collected more than 500 yards from scrimmage with 8 TDs in 2017.
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) March 14, 2018
The #Patriots and RB Rex Burkhead agreed on a 3-year deal, source said. It’s heavy on guaranteed money.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
The Dolphins are reportedly releasing defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh:
Now that the new league year is upon us and no trade has materialized, Dolphins are releasing DT Ndamukong Suh, per source. He will be free to sign with another team.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018
The Boston Herald‘s Jeff Howe corroborated an earlier report that the Patriots are interested in Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn:
The Patriots have been in on Adrian Clayborn, who might be the best pass rusher in free agency, but at this point, it doesn’t sound like there’s been an offer.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 14, 2018
Paul Worrilow reportedly is not expected to sign with the Patriots: Although New England was interested in signing the linebacker, he is expected to sign elsewhere, according to WEEI’s Ryan Hannable.
While Patriots have had some discussions on free agent LB Paul Worrilow (@MarkDanielsPJ was on it last night), he’s receiving interest from a few teams and Patriots are not expected to be in play for him, per source.
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) March 14, 2018
Trent Murphy, a reported Patriots target, has reportedly signed with the Bills:
Source: #Redskins pass-rusher Trent Murphy is signing with the #Bills.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
Patrick Robinson, another reported Patriots target, has reportedly signed with the Saints:
This is a surprise: #Eagles CB Patrick Robinson, due to be a free agent in 2 hours, is expected to sign a 4-year deal with the #Saints. Back where it all began.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
The Cardinals have released safety Tyrann Mathieu: Arizona and Mathieu are parting ways because they could not agree to a new contract, the team announced Wednesday afternoon. The 25-year-old played his first five seasons with the Cardinals. He recorded one sack and 74 tackles last year.
Texted with ex-Cardinals DB Tyrann Mathieu on what he’s looking for in his next destination: “I wanna go somewhere where football and defense matters.” Said he’d love to go to a place where he can immerse himself in the game, and a culture of winning.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 14, 2018
The Patriots have reportedly reached out to James Harrison, who wants to play next season: The 39-year-old linebacker is interested in extending his 15-season NFL career, according to the Boston Globe‘s Nora Princiotti. Harrison signed a one-year contract with the Patriots in December.
The Patriots are reportedly one of five teams interested in Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn: New England, Indianapolis, Tampa Bay, Cleveland, and Atlanta are all potential destinations for the 29-year-old pass rusher, according to ESPN’s Vaughn McClure. Clayborn led the Falcons with 9.5 sacks last season.
Jordy Nelson is reportedly visiting with the Raiders, Seahawks, and Saints:
Former Packers’ WR Jordy Nelson in demand:
Visiting Raiders today, then scheduled to visit the Seattle Seahawks, then the New Orleans Saints, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018
The Patriots are reportedly a finalist to land Redskins linebacker Trent Murphy: New England is one of three finalists for Murphy, according to ESPN’s Jenna Laine. The Bucs are also in the mix, per Laine.
The Giants are reportedly expected to sign Nate Solder:
Nate Solder is going to be the new highest-paid left tackle in the league with this deal from the Giants. Waiting on exact numbers.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 14, 2018
The #Giants are signing LT Nate Solder to a 4-year deal worth $62M, source said, with $35M guaranteed. The highest paid OL in the NFL. 💰💰💰
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
Nate Solder’s Giants deal: $62M, $16M signing bonus,$34.8M gtd, salaries $5.9M (gtd), $12.9M (gtd), $9.9M, $9.9M; $3M roster bonus 2020 league year, $4M roster bonus 2021 league year, annual $100K workout bonus
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 14, 2018
Offensive tackle Nate Solder is reportedly unlikely to return to the Patriots: Solder’s decision is seemingly down to two teams, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday morning.
“From what I understand — and this can always change, as you guys know it is very fluid — it sounds like he is down to two teams: the Giants and the Texans,” he said on NFL Network. “It just does not sound to me like the Patriots really think they are going to be able to keep him.”
The Patriots have reportedly made a contract offer to quarterback A.J. McCarron:
Patriots have made a contract offer to A.J. McCarron, per source.
— Kirk Minihane (@kirkmin) March 14, 2018
Tuesday, March 13
Linebacker Marquis Flowers has reportedly gained interest from other teams:
Pats LB/special team Marquis Flowers has taken a number of calls. He’s not going to break the bank but he’s in line to get more than the Pats appear willing to pay.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 14, 2018
The Patriots have shown interest in linebacker Paul Worrilow and cornerback Patrick Robinson, according to the Providence Journal‘s Mark Daniels: Worrilow, 27, started his NFL career with the Falcons before signing with the Lions after four seasons. He made 30 tackles in 10 games last season.
Robinson, 30, started his career with five seasons in New Orleans before year-long stints with the Chargers, the Colts, and the Eagles. He had 18 pass deflections and four interceptions en route to a Super Bowl ring with Philadelphia last season.
The Patriots and Nate Ebner have reportedly agreed to a two-year deal:
Patriots reached agreement with special teams standout Nate Ebner on a 2-year deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018
The Packers have released Jordy Nelson: According to Jordan Schultz of Yahoo! Sports, Nelson knew he was going to be cut and was “already targeting” the Patriots as his potential next team. The 32-year-old wide receiver has also generated interest from several other teams, per Schultz.
https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/973706914218565632