New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots were characteristically conservative ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. While division rivals like the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins sold key assets, the two front-runners stood pat.
But that does not mean it was an uneventful off day in Foxboro. ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that the Patriots hosted a handful of free agents.
“The Patriots had the following players in for free-agent tryouts: LB Andrew Farmer (Lane), LB D.J. Johnson (Oregon), DE Viliami Fehoko (San Jose State),” Reiss’ post read.
Edge rusher Andrew Farmer is a 2023 UDFA who spent his rookie year with the Los Angeles Chargers. He has been on the Denver Broncos’ practice squad since. Farmer is a former Division II standout.
D.J. Johnson, the Oregon alum, was a third-round selection in the same draft. However, he has not been able to make it off the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad during Dave Canales’ time in Charlotte.
Finally, Viliami Fehoko is a name that will pique the interest of college football fans. The nearly 6-foot-5 defensive end posted a nine-sack season in his final year at SJSU. He, too, has been lost on the practice squad since joining the NFL.
No signings have been made, but clearly the Pats are looking to address their pass rush.
