The New England Patriots are bringing in more defensive line reinforcements.
On Thursday, Equity Sports announced that veteran defensive tackle Mike Purcell was signing with the Patriots.
Purcell is a nine-year professional football veteran with experience playing for seven different NFL teams, including New England back in 2017. The 33-year-old defensive lineman appeared in 16 games and started in 10 with the Denver Broncos last season.
He finished the season with 25 total tackles and three pass deflections.
The Patriots are desperately looking to boost their defensive line with star defensive tackle Christian Barmore sidelined indefinitely after being diagnosed with blood clots. Purcell could be viewed as a possible rotational piece for the Patriots in the 2024 season.
DT Mike Purcell had spent time with the Patriots in 2017.
🏈 6-foot-3, 328 pounds
🏈 33 years old
🏈 Appeared in 90 games (45 starts) with 49ers (2014-2016) and Broncos (2019-2023)
🏈 208 career tackles https://t.co/dXUJnSIVDT
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 1, 2024
The Patriots signed Davon Godchaux to a contract extension on Monday, and they also signed former UFL defensive lineman Josiah Bronson to a deal on Sunday.
They’re making a clear effort to beef up the defensive front ahead of the season. Purcell will have an opportunity to hit the ground running and prove that he can provide enough value to stick on the final roster.
