Patriots shore up defensive tackle depth at start of 2023 free agency

The New England Patriots have started NFL free agency by taking care of some internal roster spots. First they swung a big trade to send tight end Jonnu Smith to the Falcons, then they locked up cornerback Jonathan Jones with a new two-year deal. Now, they’ve turned their attention to the defensive line.

Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald first reported Monday that the Patriots are expected to re-sign defensive tackle Carl Davis to a one-year deal. Mike Reiss later confirmed that the two sides are “closing on an agreement.”

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  Oct 16, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Carl Davis Jr. (98) celebrates his fumble recovery with linebacker Matthew Judon (9) against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

• Davis, 31, will now have a chance to play a fourth season in New England after bouncing around for his first four seasons. He’s played 33 of a possible 34 games over the past two years, with six starts.

  Primarily a nose tackle, Davis played 21 percent of defensive snaps in 2022, and logged a sack and 11 total tackles, including one tackle for loss. He also recovered a fumble against the Cleveland Browns, which he returned for 17 yards.

• The Patriots and DT @Trenchwork94 are closing on an agreement for him to return to the team. pic.twitter.com/nDFWgB49dv

  — Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 13, 2023

• The Pats are well-stocked at defensive tackle, with Christian Barmore atop that depth chart, and Davon Godchaux, Lawrence Guy, and Davis all under contract for 2023. They also have 2022 sixth-round pick Sam Roberts, who filled in on the interior as a rookie amid injuries on the line.

  If anything, the Patriots could stand to add more of a defensive end, edge rusher type on the D-line. But Davis at least helps shore up depth and can continue to play his specialized nose role fairly effectively when called upon.

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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.