Patriots add defensive line depth with latest signing
The New England Patriots’ roster is back at 90 players with the signing of defensive tackle Mike Purcell.
The New England Patriots made a move to help their defensive line depth on Thursday. Following their seventh training camp practice of the summer, the team announced the signing of defensive tackle Mike Purcell.
Purcell, 33, is a 6-foot-3, 328-pound note tackle. He’s played 90 games with 45 starts since entering the NFL as a UDFA in 2013. Those games have come with the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos, but he’s also had a few other stops as a practice squad player. That includes a brief stint on the Patriots’ practice squad in 2017.
For the last four years Purcell has played a rotational role with the Broncos, making 37 starts. Last year he played 44 percent of Denver’s defensive snaps, recording 25 tackles with five quarterback hits.
Purcell should have a chance to compete for a roster spot in New England. He’ll offer depth as a run-stopping nose tackle behind Davon Godchaux, and can play the end against bigger fronts – a role held by Christian Barmore in the past. Jeremiah Pharms and Trysten Hill also project to be competing for that spot.
After signing Purcell, the Patriots’ roster is now full again at 90 players. He’s the second defensive tackle to be signed by the Patriots in camp, joining Josiah Bronson.
