Just days after signing former CFL-er Armond Armstead, the Patriots have once again dipped back into the CFL talent pool for a pass rusher, signing former Northeastern and Winnipeg Blue Bomber Jason Vega to a contract. Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Globe reports:
Defensive lineman Armond Armstead won't be the only Canadian Football League player with the Patriots this offseason. The team has agreed to terms with Brockton native and former Northeastern standout end/linebacker Jason Vega on a contract, CFL and NFL sources said.
The Blue Bombers have to release him from his contract before he can sign with an NFL team.
Contract details aren't known, but similar structure to Armstead (three years) with less guaranteed money.
Bedard also spoke to a CFL executive, who likened Vega to current Patriots end/linebacker Rob Ninkovich:
"You see the same kind of stuff that a Ninkovich does. He does show ability to get to the quarterback with a high motor and some pretty good technique. He's an OK athlete, like Ninkovich, but he makes plays."
This signing isn't a high-profile move such as the Armstead deal, but it's a low risk move by the Patriots for a guy who can compete in training camp and potentially earn a roster spot. I'll be interested to see if there were any other teams in on Vega.
Vega stands at 6'4" and 255 lbs and is 25 years old. At his Pro Day in 2010, he ran a 4.67 40 yard dash. He had 12 sacks over the last two seasons for the Blue Bombers.