Patriots reportedly signing three-time Pro Bowl special teamer Justin Bethel
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: Justin Bethel #28 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Wide receiver Mohamed Sanu will not be the only player joining the Patriots on Tuesday, as New England will also reportedly sign special teams ace Justin Bethel, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Released by the Ravens on Oct. 21, not even a full year into his two-year, $4 million deal, Bethel hit the open market not due to poor play, but rather the Ravens’ desire to pick up a compensatory pick following ex-Ravens defensive end Brent Urban’s release from the Titans. (Releasing Bethel allowed the Ravens to keep a pick they otherwise would have lost.)
“Judgment has to be made for the future as well,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh. “That’s tough for us because, I told [Bethel], I think he’s the best special teams player in the NFL, and he’s playing that way.”
A three-time Pro Bowler for his special teams game during his six-year tenure with the Ravens, the 29-year-old Bethel had six tackles and a fumble recovery with Baltimore this year, and has been an obvious fixture in their special team game. Listed as a cornerback on your depth chart, Bethel had played under 20 defensive snaps for the Ravens in 2019.
Bethel was one of three players the Patriots had in for tryouts on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
The Patriots will host the Browns this Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
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