2018 NFL free agency: Patriots host linebacker Jonathan Casillas, tight end Asante Cleveland on visits

The New England Patriots have been relatively quiet so far early on in free agency. While the was able to bring back special teamer Nate Ebner and running back Rex Burkhead, it also had to watch four starters from last year exit. With the first wave of free agency now over, though, the Patriots will likely enter the ring to add to their roster – and two familiar players might be among the additions.

According to reports, New England hosted both linebacker Jonathan Casillas and tight end Asante Cleveland on free agency visits – two players that have been with the Patriots in the past.

Casillas originally joined the team during the 2014 season via trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He appeared in 11 games for the Patriots during his lone season in New England and as a rotational linebacker and special teamer helped the team win Super Bowl XLIX. The 30-year old left after the season to sign a three-year, $10.5 million deal with the New York Giants. He appeared in eight games last year before being placed on injured reserve due to wrist and neck issues.

Cleveland joined the Patriots in 2015: The team traded offensive lineman Jordan Devey to the San Francisco 49ers in order to acquire his services. However, he appeared in only four games for New England, registering one catch for one yard. The Patriots opted to release the now-25-year old midway through his only season with the team and he went on to join the Los Angeles Chargers. Cleveland spent all of 2017 on injured reserve.