Patriots host five players on free agency visits Friday

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the New England Patriots had five players visit Friday. Fullback Roosevelt Nix, wide receiver Damion Willis, offensive linemen Cordel Iwuagwu and Jordan Steckler as well as linebacker David Reese all took part in Covid-19 testing to start the process on free agent workouts.

As Reiss pointed out, these visits are most likely tied to the team updating their emergency lists.

Nix, 28, is the most well known name on this list, having made the Pro-Bowl as a fullback in 2017. He is most well known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, mostly being used as a fullback and core special teamer from 2015-2019. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts in April, 2020 but was released as a part of the team’s final roster cuts. He also has experience on the defensive side of the ball, having played on the defensive line at Kent State.

Iwuagwu, 24, is a 6’3” 309 lb guard who was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in April. Following training camp, Houston signed the TCU alum their practice squad, before releasing him on September 14th.

Reese, 22, has had a pretty eventful first few months in the NFL. He signed with the Carolina Panthers following the NFL Draft but was cut on August 22nd. The Minnesota Vikings signed him on August 26th, but cut him just 11 days into his tenure. He spent his college years at the University of Florida, recording 94 tackles and 2.0 sacks as a Senior.

Steckler, 24, is an offensive lineman out of Northern Illinois University, who signed with the New Orleans Saints following the 2020 NFL Draft. They waived him as a part of their final roster cuts. He played both guard and tackle in college.

Willis, 23, is a second year player out of Troy. He spent 10 games on the Cincinnati Bengals active roster in 2019, recording nine catches for 82 yards. The 6’4” 200 lb receiver spent time on the Cleveland Browns roster before being cut on August 31st. He is an alum of Netflix’s hit series “Last Chance U”.

The Patriots currently have 52 players on their active roster, and a full practice squad of 16 players.