Come here for live updates on everything involving the Patriots, and their current & former players, during the NFL’s 2018 free agency period.
LIVE Updates
Monday, 9:52 a.m.: Ian Rapoport tweets that Patriots tackle LaAdrian Waddle is joining Cameron Fleming on a visit to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday and Tuesday.
The #Cowboys are hosting not one but two #Patriots free agent offensive tackles. Source said LaAdrian Waddle is visiting tonight and tomorrow. He joins Cameron Fleming, who is also visiting.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2018
Sunday, 12:20 p.m.: Ian Rapoport says the Dallas Cowboys are hosting Patriots tackle Cameron Fleming for a visit on Monday and Tuesday.
The #Cowboys are hosting #Patriots OT Cameron Fleming for a visit on Monday and Tuesday, source said. New England would like to bring him back, but thatโs up in the air now.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2018
Story: Patriots Trade For Raiders WR Cordarrelle Patterson
Saturday, 4:41 p.m.: Field Yates reports that Patriots special teams ace Matthew Slater is visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Source: Patriots free agent Matthew Slater, a seven-time Pro Bowl special teamer, is in Pittsburgh visiting the Steelers today. Intrigue amongst top AFC teams.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 17, 2018
Saturday, 9:14 a.m.: Ian Rapoport and Jeff Howe report that the Patriots have agreed to a “short-term” extension with safety Patrick Chung. He was entering the final year of his contract in 2018.
The #Patriots are signing S Patrick Chung to a short-term contract extension, sources say. He was due $2M in 2018, the last year of his current deal. His impressive second stint with the team continues.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2018
Patrick Chung is closing in on a contract extension with the Patriots, per source.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 17, 2018
Story: Patriots Sign Three Free Agents, Including Adrian Clayborn, In Under An Hour
Friday, 3:50 p.m.: Yates reports that free-agent tackle Matt Tobin, formerly of the Seahawks and Eagles, is visiting the Patriots on Friday.
Former Seahawks and Eagles OT Matt Tobin is visiting the Patriots today, per source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 16, 2018
Friday, 3:23 p.m.: Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer tweets per league source that free-agent cornerback Delvin Breaux is visiting the Patriots after meeting with the Broncos.
Free agent CB Delvin Breaux visiting Patriots today after meeting with Broncos yesterday, per league source.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) March 16, 2018
Friday, 11:40 a.m.: Schefter reports that former Patriots cornerback Johnson Bademosi is signing with the Houston Texans for two years and $6.25 million, making him the highest-paid special teams player in the NFL.
Former Patriots' special teams standout Johnson Bademosi reached agreement with the Texans on a two-year, $6.25 million contract, per source. Once again he becomes highest-paid special teams player in the NFL, but he also has shown ability to play CB, with three starts in 2017.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2018
Thursday, 8:06 p.m.: Yates reports that free-agent running back Jeremy Hill is visiting the Patriots on Friday.
Source: former Bengals RB Jeremy Hill is visiting the Patriots tomorrow.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 16, 2018
Story: Adrian Clayborn Flies To Boston To Visit The Patriots
Thursday, 7:15 p.m.: Schefter reports that free-agent tight end Eric Ebron “potentially” could be meeting with the Patriots after meeting with the Colts on Sunday.
Scheduled travel itinerary for former Lionsโ TE Eric Ebron: Carolina on Friday, Indianapolis on Sunday, followed potentially by New England, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2018
Thursday, 6:12 p.m.: Josina Anderson of ESPN reports that Adrian Clayborn is flying to Boston for a scheduled visit with the Patriots.
Iโm told free agent DL Adrian Clayborn โis flying to Boston tonightโ for a scheduled visit with the #Patriots, per source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 15, 2018
Thursday, 1:48 p.m.: Garafolo says the Browns are releasing cornerback Jason McCourty, the twin brother of Patriots safety Devin McCourty. And the latter quickly took to Twitter to take notice of the news. With lots and lots of eyeballs.
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐(D-Mac) https://t.co/dDecznonPF
— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) March 15, 2018
Thursday, 12:04 p.m.: The Patriots have been in contact with free-agent running back Danny Woodhead, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Woodhead played for the Patriots from 2010-12.
Patriots and Falcons showed some hustle and grit in contacting RB Danny Woodhead recently, source says. We'll see if he and his lunch pail head to either place deceptively quickly to pay a visit.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2018
Story: Patriots Contact Free-Agent Running Back Danny Woodhead
Thursday, 10:53 a.m.: The Patriots are showing “considerable interest” in former Ravens tackle Austin Howard, according to Rapoport. They’re also interested in bringing back Cameron Fleming or LaAdrian Waddle.
With Nate Solder off the board, the #Patriots would like to bring back one or both of the top tackles available: Cameron Fleming and LaAdrian Waddle. Former #Ravens OT Austin Howard also drawing considerable interest.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2018
Thursday, 10:40 a.m.: Ben Volin of the Boston Globe says the Patriots are hosting tight end Asante Cleveland on Thursday. He was previously on the Pats for part of the 2015 season.
Source says Patriots are hosting TE Asante Cleveland on a visit today. Was with the team for part of 2015. Has also been with Chargers and 49ers. Candidate for the teamโs third TE spot
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 15, 2018
Thursday, 9:37 a.m.: Rapoport tweets that free-agent linebacker Jonathan Casillas is visiting the Patriots on Thursday and that there’s “mutual interest.” Casillas played 8 games for the Patriots in 2014, and played the last three seasons for the New York Giants.
#Giants free agent LB Jonathan Casillas is visiting the #Patriots today, source said. There is mutual interest there.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2018
Story: Tyrann Mathieu Wants ‘Winning Culture’, To Be ‘Immersed In Football’ With New Team
Wednesday, 4:10 p.m.: Jim McBride of the Boston Globe reports that the Patriots have agreed to a “multiyear contract” with running back Rex Burkhead.
The @Patriots have agreed to a multiyear contract with RB Rex Burkhead @RBrex2022 according to a league source. Burkhead collected more than 500 yards from scrimmage with 8 TDs in 2017.
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) March 14, 2018
Story: Patriots Bring Back Rex Burkhead For Three Years And “Heavy” Guaranteed Money
Wednesday, 3:51 p.m.:ย Former Patriots/Steelers LB James Harrison is no rush to sign anywhere, but the Patriots have expressed interest in the 39-year-old veteran, per Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald.
James Harrison doesnโt appear to be in a rush to sign anywhere, barring an aggressive pitch from someone. Patriots have expressed interest, but itโs hard to gauge the degree. Could be a second-wave type, if at all.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 14, 2018
Wednesday, 3:41 p.m.:ย Here’s some insight into what DB Tyrann Mathieu is looking for in free agency, per Albert Breer of The MMQB and NBC Sports Boston. New England checks all of the boxes for the Honey Badger, right?
Texted with ex-Cardinals DB Tyrann Mathieu on what he's looking for in his next destination: "I wanna go somewhere where football and defense matters." Said he'd love to go to a place where he can immerse himself in the game, and a culture of winning.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 14, 2018
Wednesday, 3:28 p.m.:ย Will the Patriots be in the market for defensive tackle and pass-rusher Ndamukong Suh? The Dolphins are expected to release the DT, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Now that the new league year is upon us and no trade has materialized, Dolphins are releasing DT Ndamukong Suh, per source. He will be free to sign with another team.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018
Wednesday, 3:18 p.m.:ย The Saints are expected to sign former Jets linebacker Demario Davis to a three-year deal, per Dianna Russini of ESPN.
Former Jets linebacker Demario Davis expected to sign with the New Orleans Saints per source. Deal is 3 years, $24 million, $18 million in guaranteed
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 14, 2018
Wednesday, 2:46 p.m.:ย So much for the Patriots signing former Washington pass-rusher Trent Murphy. According to Ian Rapoport of theย NFL Network, Murphy intends to sign a three-year deal with the rival Bills.
For the #Bills and FA #Redskins pass-rusher Trent Murphy, itโs a 3-year deal worth up to $30M, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
And Mike Reiss of ESPN followed up with this after an Adam Schefter tweet:
Patriots had reached out to Murphy in the free-agent process. Had some level of interest. Now they'll face him twice a year. https://t.co/Or7IcHmvQa
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 14, 2018
Wednesday, 2:26 p.m.:ย There goes another cornerback that could’ve been a member of the New England Patriots. Former Eagles CB Patrick Robinson is expected to sign a four-year deal with the Saints, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
This is a surprise: #Eagles CB Patrick Robinson, due to be a free agent in 2 hours, is expected to sign a 4-year deal with the #Saints. Back where it all began.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
Wednesday, 2:06 p.m.:ย It sounds like signing Nate Solder was too rich for the Browns as well, even with tackle Joe Thomas retiring, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
The #Browns dipped their toe in the Nate Solder water, but bowed out quickly when the money got nuts. But they were clearly preparing for Joe Thomasโ retirement. Somehow, I donโt think Thomas will fade into the background.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
Wednesday, 1:56 p.m.:ย Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal confirms that the Patriots are showing interest in former Falcons’ defensive end, Adrian Clayborn. Last year Clayborn appeared in 16 games, while finishing the season with 9.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Source confirms that the Patriots are showing some interest in defensive end Adrian Clayborn
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) March 14, 2018
Wednesday, 1:41 p.m.:ย The Arizona Cardinals have officially released DB Tyrann Mathieu aka Honey Badger, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Could playing in New England be his “new challenge?”
Newly released #AZCardinals CB Tyrann Mathieu messaged me: "I'm ready for the new challenge! Ready to take my spot as top DB. Fresh starts are good!"
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
Wednesday, 1:04 p.m.: Ben Volin of the Boston Globe breaks down the perimeters of key special teamer, Nate Ebner’s two-year, $5 million deal.
Patriots Nate Ebner got a two-year, $5m deal with $1.2m guaranteed (his signing bonus). Can make $2.8m this year and $2.2m next year. Base salaries of $1.2m and $2m. Per-game roster bonuses of $400k and $200k.
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 14, 2018
Wednesday, 12:15 p.m.: Field Yates of ESPNย reports some added context to Malcolm Butler’s contract with the Titans, as it relates to the Patriots. New England’s final offer before last season was for six years and $66 million (five years on top of his $3.91 million RFA tender) with $25.5 million guaranteed. So, the Titans ended up out-bidding the Pats in the guarantee department.
Some context on Malcolm Butlerโs reported 5-year $61M deal with Titans: the Patriotsโ final offer before last season was for 6-years, $66M, with $25.5M guaranteed (five years on top of his restricted free agent tender of $3.91M). Same neighborhood.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 14, 2018
Wednesday, 11:11 a.m.: Jenna Laine of ESPN reports that the Patriots and Bucs are two of three teams in the running to land outside linebacker Trent Murphy from the Redskins.
I'm told that the Patriots are among the three final teams (including the Bucs) in the running to land Redskins outside linebacker Trent Murphy. https://t.co/cjRfqhdeyb
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) March 14, 2018
Wednesday, 10:41 a.m.: Rapoport says that Nate Solder is expected to sign with the New York Giants.
The #Giants are expected to sign former #Patriots LT Nate Solder, source said. They get their franchise left tackle. Huge get.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
Story: Giants Expected To Make Nate Solder Highest-Paid Offensive Lineman In NFL
Nate Solder waves to fans as he walks off the field after the Patriots defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2017 AFC Championship Game. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Story: Patriots Reportedly Showing Interest In Free-Agent Cornerback Patrick Robinson
Wednesday, 7:10 a.m.: Rapoport says there’s not a lot of optimism for the Patriots to retain Nate Solder, who could end up choosing between the Texans and Giants.
One free agent to watch today: #Patriots LT Nate Solder. As of last night, it sounded like #Giants or #Texansโฆ and there wasnโt a lot of optimism that heโd return to New England.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
Story: Jordy Nelson Reportedly Interested In Patriots, Who Are Expected To ‘Make A Push’ To Sign Him
Tuesday, 10:13 p.m.: Schefter reports that the Patriots have reached an agreement on a two-year deal with special teams standout Nate Ebner.
Patriots reached agreement with special teams standout Nate Ebner on a 2-year deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018
Story: Dion Lewis Intends To Sign Four-Year Deal With Titans
Tuesday, 9:17 p.m.: Schefter reports that Dion Lewis plans to sign a four-year deal with the Tennessee Titans.
Former Patriotsโ RB Dion Lewis intends to sign a 4-year deal with Tennesee, source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018
Tuesday, 5:45 p.m.: Schefter reports that Malcolm Butler will sign with the Tennessee Titans. The now-former Patriots cornerback heads to Tennessee to play with ex-Patriots teammate Logan Ryan, and for head coach and former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel.
Former Patriots' CB Malcolm Butler intends to sign with the Tennessee Titans, per sources. Butler will play for former Patriots' LB Mike Vrabel and former Pats' personnel man Jon Robinson.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018
Story: Malcolm Butler To Sign With Titans For Five Years, $30 Million Guaranteed
Tuesday, 5:07 p.m.: Albert Breer of The MMQB reports that the New York Giants are one of the teams still trying to sign tackle Nate Solder.
Another team in on Patriots OT Nate Solder: The New York Giants. After losing out on Andrew Norwell, their search for offensive line help continues. Pats will have a battle to hold on to Tom Brady's left tackle.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 13, 2018
Tuesday, 3:28 p.m.: ESPN’s Jeff Darlington with some insight on Amendola to the Dolphins: “Dolphins were hot on him internally before free agency started. They see him as a great fit on and off field.” The question, he added, is how Miami will manage Amendola’s health.
Context on Amendola: Dolphins were hot on him internally before free agency started. They see him as a great fit on and off field. Key factor will be managing health. Belichick preserved him for playoffs. Miami not in position to do that, but Gase good at managing bodies in camp.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) March 13, 2018
Tuesday, 3:17 p.m.: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Texans are signing cornerback Aaron Colvin, which likely takes them out of the running for Malcolm Butler.
Former Jaguars' CB Aaron Colvin intends to sign a 4-year deal with the Houston Texans, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018
Tuesday, 3:13 p.m.: Peter Schrager of the NFL Network has the numbers for Amendola to the Dolphins: two years, up to $12 million with incentives, and $8.25 million guaranteed.
Danny Amendola/Dolphins terms, per source:
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 13, 2018
2 years, $12M (incentives in there), $8.25 guaranteed. @nflnetwork @NFLonFOX @gmfb
Story: Danny Amendola Reportedly Expected To Sign With Dolphins
Danny Amendola catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Tashaun Gipson #39 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter during the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Tuesday, 1:43 p.m.: Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that Dion Lewis is still drawing interest from the Patriots, along with seven other teams. They are the Dolphins, Jets, Giants, Titans, Texans, Colts, and 49ers. But the interesting part is that the Pats are still in on him.
Tuesday, 1:42 p.m.: An update from Giardi … Nate Solder and Malcolm Butler continue to have strong markets, and the Texans remain in pursuit of both of them.
Texans continue to pursue both Nate Solder and Malcolm Butler. Both guys have strong markets. Doesn't appear Butler is going to lose much - if any - money based on his roller coaster season and SB benching.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 13, 2018
Tuesday, 1:10 p.m.: #AsExpected, there’s “plenty of optimism” that Matthew Slater returns to the Patriots in 2018, according to Howe.
There is plenty of optimism Matthew Slater will strike a deal to remain with the Patriots.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 13, 2018
If #asexpected was invented for one tweet, this was surely it.
Story: Patriots, James Harrison Have Reportedly Been In Contact About A Possible Return
Tuesday, 12:55 p.m.:ย James Harrison and the Patriots are discussing a possible return for 2018, according to Kevin Duffy of MassLive.
Patriots have been in contact with James Harrison regarding possible return in 2018 https://t.co/xe6WpFNXjL
— Kevin Duffy (@KevinRDuffy) March 13, 2018
Tuesday, 10:54 a.m.:ย Howe reports that Malcolm Butler has a “promising” market and $10 million per season may be theย low end of what he ends up getting as a free agent.
Malcolm Butlerโs market has been promising. Itโd be a shock if it didnโt take at least $10 million per year to sign him, and thatโs probably the low figure.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 13, 2018
Tuesday, 8:42 a.m.: Ben Volin of the Boston Globe tweets that the Browns are “making a big run” at Nate Solder to replace Joe Thomas at left tackle.
Source says Browns are making a big run at Nate Solder to replace Joe Thomas at left tackle. Patriots are going to have some stiff competition. Browns have a ton of money to play with
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 13, 2018
Monday, 9:34 p.m.: Patriots tackle LaAdrian Waddle is likely to test the free-agent market, according to NESN’s Doug Kyed. Waddle tweeted later on Monday: “Who’s hiring?”
https://twitter.com/LaAdrianWaddle/status/973371749520805888
Monday, 6:00 p.m.: Howe reports via the Boston Herald that Solder wants to stay with the Patriots, but is prepared to sign elsewhere if New England’s offer isn’t competitive enough. Solder would likely take a little less than a top offer to remain with the Pats.
Monday, 5:47 p.m.: Giardi says that Matt Patricia and the Detroit Lions are “quite interested” in Malcolm Butler.
Guess who's interested in Malcolm Butler? Matt Patricia's Detroit Lions. Quite interested from what I'm told.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 12, 2018
Monday, 4:39 p.m.: According to Albert Breer of The MMQB, the Bills are trading tackle Cordy Glenn and the 21st overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 12th overall pick, plus swapping their fifth-round pick for a sixth. The trade appears to be a precursor to the Bills selecting a quarterback in the first round.
Source: Bills sending LT Cordy Glenn and the 21st pick to the Bengals for the 12th overall pick. Buffalo also sending their fifth-round with Cincinnati's sixth-rounder coming.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 12, 2018
Monday, 1:57 p.m.: Giardi says the Texans have reached out to Malcolm Butler.
Source tells me Texans have reached out to Malcolm Butler. https://t.co/hBGtCKTRS6
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 12, 2018
Story: Patriots’ Nate Solder Has Plenty Of Options In Free Agency Amid ‘Off The Charts’ Interest
Monday, 1:53 p.m.: John McClain of the Houston Chronicle says the Texans are making a “strong run” at signing Nate Solder.
Texans are making a strong run at LT Nate Solder. Theyโre desperate for a new LT. They started 5 LTs last season.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) March 12, 2018
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Nate Solder #77 of the New England Patriots celebrates with his son Hudson after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Monday, 1:47 p.m.: Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald tweets that Malcolm Butler has been a “popular guy” since the window opened for teams to negotiate with him.
Malcolm Butler has been a popular guy so far today. Teams expressed interest as soon as the negotiating window opened, according to a source.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 12, 2018
Story: Free-Agent-To-Be Dion Lewis Is A “Longshot” To Re-Sign With The Patriots
Monday, 1:25 p.m.: Giardi says the Colts are “in on” free-agent-to-be Dion Lewis.
Colts in on Dion Lewis.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 12, 2018
Dion Lewis runs the ball for the New England Patriots against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Story: What Could The Patriots Do In The Secondary With Big Names Off The Board?
Monday, 12:26 p.m.: Dianna Russini of ESPN tweets that the Saints, who tried to trade for Malcolm Butler in the offseason, have shown interest in the cornerback’s services.
Remember when the Saints and the Patriots almost made a trade for Malcolm Butler? Iโm told there is new interest in getting him to New Orleans as a Free Agent, but they also have their eyes on veteran corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 12, 2018
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Monday, 12:11 p.m.: Mike Giardi of NBC Sports Boston tweets that the Oakland Raiders have expressed interest in Malcolm Butler.
Raiders have expressed interest in Malcolm Butler and are also expected to release CB Sean Smith.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 12, 2018
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