Dec 9, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Armon Watts (96) celebrates a sack with defensive end Patrick Jones II (93) during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The 2024 season for the New England Patriots commences with a fresh coaching staff led by Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf, facing numerous gaps to fill in their lineup, particularly on offense. The departure of former franchise quarterback Mac Jones and the retention of receiver Kendrick Bourne mark the initial steps in the Patriots’ reconstruction following a disappointing 4-13 season and Bill Belichick’s departure. Stay tuned to Patriot Country for real-time updates on team transactions and major league-wide moves.
The Patriots expressed interest in acquiring Andre Dillard last year and now have another opportunity as the left tackle has been released by the Tennessee Titans due to his hefty $10 million salary cap hit, with $6 million becoming fully guaranteed soon. With experience from starting 10 games for the Titans last season, Dillard, 28, is a potential replacement for Trent Brown at left tackle, having previously played three seasons with the Eagles.
To bolster their offensive line, the Patriots have secured former Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Nick Leverett, who started 10 games in 2022 during Tom Brady’s final NFL season. Leverett’s playing time was limited last year due to a shoulder injury, but his addition provides depth to the Patriots’ offensive unit.
In a bid to strengthen their defensive front, the Patriots have signed free-agent defensive lineman Armon Watts to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million, according to reports from NFL Network via GSE Football and Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. Watts, originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, brings valuable experience from his tenure with multiple NFL teams, having played 72 games and making 22 starts, accumulating 140 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one pass deflection throughout his career.
