Patriots waive young receiver to make room for new nose tackle
The New England Patriots are making some changes at the bottom of the roster, but moves that could signify bigger ones to come.
As first reported by ESPN’s Field Yates on Tuesday, the Patriots have claimed former Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Marquan McCall off waivers. Mike Reiss later reported that, to make room for McCall, the Patriots are waiving wide receiver Tre Nixon. The team later officially announced both moves.
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA: Marquan McCall of the Carolina Panthers attends training camp at Wofford College on July 27, 2023. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
McCall, 24, played 16 games (no starts) for the Panthers in 2022. He made his NFL debut in Week 2 and was active for 16 straight. He played only 17 percent of defensive snaps overall, but took the field for at least two defensive plays in every game, logging 15 total tackles, two tackles for a loss, and one QB hit.
At 6-foot-3 and 345 pounds, McCall projects as a nose tackle to deploy against the run. The timing is interesting on this signing, after the Patriots defense allowed 4.1 yards per carry to the Green Bay Packers in last Saturday’s preseason game. They allowed 4.7 yards per carry in the first quarter, which is when most of the projected starters played.
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We’ll see if McCall actually makes a real impact on the Patriots’ roster-building. But defensive linemen like Carl Davis (their primary nose tackle/0-technique in 2022), Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Sam Roberts, and Justus Tavai are on notice. Davon Godchaux, Lawrence Guy, and Christian Barmore could also be in danger of losing snaps if McCall can stick around and outperform them against the run.
Nixon, 25, was waived then signed to the practice squad in each of his first two seasons with the Patriots. So, he should be considered a strong candidate to return to the fold at some point.
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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 @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.
