Patriots sign veteran defensive tackle after Barmore news originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots appear to be making contingency plans at defensive tackle.
Free agent Mike Purcell signed with the Patriots, his agency, Equity Sports, announced Thursday on the social networks. Details of the agreement were not disclosed.
Purcell played 90 games in eight NFL seasons split between the San Francisco 49ers (2014 to 2016) and the Denver Broncos (2019 to 2023). He also spent time on various practice squads from 2017 to 2019 and even joined the Patriots’ practice squad for a brief period in October and November 2017.
The University of Wyoming product appeared in 16 games for the Broncos last season, making 10 starts while recording 25 tackles, five quarterback hits and one fumble recovery.
Purcell’s addition comes shortly after team announced star Defensive tackle Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots, no return time. If Barmore is forced to miss time, Purcell would help bolster an interior defensive line that currently includes Davon Godchaux, Daniel Ekuale and Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
