New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick held his yearly press conference on the eve of training camp. His opening statement included notes about Nate Ebner's journey to the Olympics, Tom Brady's "situation" and the overall health situation of the roster entering training camp.
Belichick also mentioned two transactions the team has made: the Patriots have signed guard Jon Halapio and tight end Bear Pascoe.
Jon Halapio was originally drafted by New England in the sixth round of the 2014 draft (pick #179) but was unable to earn a spot on the roster and practice squad. After a short stint in the FXFL, Halapio was signed to the Denver Broncos' practice squad, where he spent the rest of the season. When the Broncos released the Florida product, he was with the Arizona Cardinals for a short time before returning to the FXFL. Now, the 25-year old is back in Foxboro.
Bear Pascoe also entered the league as a sixth round draft pick – only five years prior to Halapio and drafted by the San Francisco 49ers. After the 49ers let him go after training camp, Pascoe signed with the New York Giants with whom he spent the 2009 season and the next four years as well. After leaving New York in 2014, the 6'5 tight end joined the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears and finally the Detroit Lions. During his seven-year career, the 30-year old appeared in 89 games, catching 45 passes for 375 yards and three touchdowns.
With the moves, the Patriots' roster now stands at the offseason-maximum of 90.