After sitting out the earlier portions of free agency, the New England Patriots are back making moves. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Patriots signed defensive lineman Mike Pennel and tight end Matt LaCosse. As of this posting, the exact length and value of these contracts are unknown to the public. Pennell spent the 2018 season with the New York Jets while LaCosse spent 2018 with the Denver Broncos.
Source: the Patriots are signing former Jets DL Mike Pennel and former Broncos TE Matt LaCosse. Some needed depth at those spots.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 14, 2019
Update: Per ESPN’s Mike Reiss, LaCosse signed a two-year, $4.8 million contract
It's a 2-year deal for Matt LaCosse worth up to $4.8 million, per a source.
Current depth chart at TE:
Rob Gronkowski
Matt LaCosse
Jacob Hollister
Stephen Anderson
Ryan Izzo— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 14, 2019
New England Patriots Agree to Terms With Mike Pennel, Matt LaCosse
Mike Pennel, a 6’4” defensive tackle, played all 16 games with the New York Jets in 2018, starting seven times. During his time on the field, the Arizona State product recorded 27 tackles, two quarterback hits, and one pass defended while eating up space in the interior. Pro Football Focus ranked Pennel as the 14th-best interior defensive lineman in football.
Pennel initially entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent following the 2014 NFL Draft. Signed by the New York Jets, Pennel has appeared in 69 games throughout his career. During his time on the field, Pennel has recorded 102 tackles, 10 quarterback hits, and one sack.
Matt LaCosse appeared in 15 games for the 2018 Denver Broncos, starting five. During his time on the field, LaCosse recorded 24 receptions for 250 yards and one touchdown. Pro Football Focus ranked LaCosse as the 53rd-best tight end in the league last season.
The 6’6”, 255-pound tight end spent his collegiate tenure at the University of Illinois before declaring for the NFL. Initially arriving in the NFL after going undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft. Initially signing with the New York Giants, LaCosse has also played for the New York Jets and the Broncos. LaCosse has appeared in 22 games throughout the course of his career. During his time on the field, LaCosse has recorded 27 receptions for 272 yards and one touchdown.
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