Alex Barth
March 17th
So far in free agency, all of the Patriots’ transactions on defense have been bringing back their own players. That re-signing spree continued on Friday morning.
According to Chad Graff of The Athletic, the Patriots are bringing back tackle Daniel Ekuale on a two-year deal. The contract is worth up to $6 million.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 12: Daniel Ekuale #95 of the New England Patriots celebrates after sacking Colt McCoy #12 of the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
At 6-foot-3, 305 pounds, Ekuale gives the Patriots depth in their interior pass rusher group behind Christian Barmore. Last season, Ekuale appearing in 15 games seeing significant playing time when Barmore got hurt late in the year. He finished the season with 22 pressures and three sacks, as well as seven run stuffs.
Ekuale will begin his third year in the Patriots’ system. After going undrafted in 2018 he spent time with the Browns and Jaguars before signing with the Patriots’ practice squad at the start of the 2021 season. He was elevated eight times that season, then spent most of last year on the active roster (although he did miss the first two games of the season after being suspended for an undisclosed reason).
The Patriots have now retained both of their backup defensive tackles from last season, having re-signed Carl Davis earlier in the week. In total they’ve re-signed nine of their own free agents, with Nelson Agholor, Damien Harris, Isaiah Wynn, Cody Davis, and Joejuan Williams remaining unsigned.
For full updates on all of the Patriots moves, be sure to follow our Patriots Free Agency Tracker.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
