The New England Patriots were one of two teams in the final running for the services of free agent defensive tackle Terrance Knighton. The other team was Washington, where Knighton spent the 2015 season.
Knighton had previously tweeted "keep that word rotational out of any thing [sic] about me" after meeting with the Patriots, leading to speculation that the defensive tackle was not pleased with the Patriots plans for his usage. Also in Washington's favor was the fact that defensive lineman Chris Baker went to high school with Knighton and the two are close.
I'm told Terrance Knighton informed the Patriots he will joining the team, but nothing signed.
— Dianna Marie Russini (@diannaESPN) March 31, 2016
But in a surprise upset, Knighton is expected to sign with the Patriots.
The 6'2, 350 lbs Knighton is a seven-year veteran out of Temple with time on the Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, and then Washington. He has played a possible 108 of 112 career games and has started 96 games in his career. While he's primarily a run stuffer, Knighton offers additional strength as a bull rusher up the middle on passing downs.
Knighton, also known as "Pot Roast", was also born and raised in Connecticut and is a big fan of the Boston Celtics.
The Patriots were looking for a 4th defensive tackle to replace Akiem Hicks and Sealver Siliga in the rotation, and to play alongside Malcom Brown, Alan Branch, and Dominique Easley.
The 2016 NFL Draft is deep at the defensive tackle position, so the Patriots are either forgoing the position in the draft or are fine with the idea of carrying five players at the position on the roster.
EDIT: Knighton's contract is one-year for $4.5 million. Hicks signed with the Bears for two-years, $10 million, for those wondering.