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The New England Patriots’ busy Thursday continues. After already bringing three players on board earlier today, the New England Patriots have made another move: according to ESPN’s Field Yates, the club has signed former New York Jets defensive tackle Mike Pennel today — a potential replacement for former first-round draft pick Malcom Brown, who signed a three-year, $15 million deal with the New Orleans Saints today.
Pennel hit the open market because the Jets made a somewhat surprising move in February when they opted to decline the $1.0 million contract option in Pennel’s deal. As a result of the decision, the veteran became an unrestricted free agent yesterday — and one that looked tailor-made for the Patriots: at 6’4, 330 lbs, he is a big-bodied presence at the heart of the defensive line, capable to taking on double teams and controlling the point of attack in the two-gap scheme New England runs.
While not exactly the highest-upside pass rushing option, the 27-year-old could help the Patriots replace Malcom Brown and possibly also fellow free agent Danny Shelton.
[UPDATE] Pennel’s contract is for two years.
The Patriots deal with Mike Pennel is for two years, per source
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) March 14, 2019
Poll
How would you grade the signing of Mike Pennel?
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25%
A
(523 votes) -
50%
B
(1039 votes) -
19%
C
(389 votes) -
3%
D
(62 votes) -
1%
F
(29 votes)