The Patriots continue to invest money in their special teams units. On Friday, the team signed linebacker and coverage specialist Chris Board in free agency.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero was the first to report the signing. The deal will pay Board up to $6.7 million dollars over two years. The signing comes after Board met with the Patriots on Thursday.
The #Patriots are signing LB Chris Board to a two-year deal worth up to $6.7 million, per source. Another special-teams star getting paid in New England.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2023Board spent last season with the Lions after playing his first for NFL years with the Ravens. In 17 games with Detroit he played 160 snaps on defense and 359 on special teams.
Prior to a game against the Lions last season, Belichick singled out Board’s special teams ability. At the time, he called him, “the best special teams player we’ll play against all year.”
In New England, he’ll likely play a similar role. He’ll help boost a kick coverage unit that allowed three return touchdown in 2022, while also providing depth as an off-ball linebacker.
This is the second special teams signing for the Patriots in as many days. They re-signed long snapper Joe Cardona on Thursday to a four-year deal.
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.
Patriots continue building up special teams with latest external signing
