Patriots sign tight end, release fullback ahead of first public OTA practice
Just after the start of Bill Belichick’s first video conference of OTAs on Thursday, Jim McBride of the Boston Globe reported that the Patriots have made a pair of minor transactions. They have signed tight end Troy Fumagalli and released fullback Dan Vitale.
Fumagalli was most recently with the Denver Broncos in 2020. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Fumagalli played 11 games (five starts) in 2019 and eight games last season. He has 14 total touches for 118 yards from scrimmage in two seasons on the Broncos’ active roster, playing 291 offensive snaps and 147 on special teams.
Vitale never played for the Patriots after signing in 2020. He was one of eight Patriots played who opted out of the season amid COVID-19 concerns.
Fumagalli joins a suddenly crowded tight end depth chart in New England that includes free-agent signings Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, second-year pros Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene, and the returning Matt LaCosse. Undrafted free agent Rashod Berry, who played both tight end and defensive end at Ohio State, also remains on the roster.
The Patriots kick off their first public OTA session on Thursday at the practice fields next to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Bob Socci of 98.5 The Sports Hub will be in attendance and providing a report later in the day.
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at [email protected].