Terrance Knighton has had a very tumultuous career as he has gotten older as this could be the fourth time he will switch teams in the NFL. At 29 years old, Knighton is a solid defensive tackle who put up a disappointing season for the Washington Redskins in 2015.
Knighton recorded 15 starts, 29 combined tackles, and 1.5 sacks. Throughout his career Knighton has become a force and has racked up over 230 combined tackles, 14 sacks, 10 pass defenses, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles.
Knighton spent 2009 to 2012 with the Jacksonville Jaguars before moving to the Denver Broncos. He would remain on the Broncos and have one of his most productive seasons of all-time. Knighton stayed with the Broncos until the end of the 2014 season when he left in free agency and became a Washington Redskin.
If the Patriots sign Knighton that will be the eighth free agent the team has signed this offseason. The Patriots have brought in former Washington Redskins defensive end Frank Kearse, who is only 27, and Chris Long, who at 30 is still one of the most productive defensive ends in his age bracket.
Long left the Los Angeles Rams after he was released to make room for younger talent. The Patriots signed wide receiver Nate Washington from the Houston Texans, but at 32, the Patriots cannot expect a ton of production.
Washington suffered several lingering injuries that kept him off of the field for quite some time. New England also brought in Shea McClellin from the Chicago Bears to help the Patriots stop the run and generate some pressure. The only other linebacker the Patriots picked up was Ramon Humber from the New Orleans Saints, who is 28.
Humber is likely just a depth addition as the Patriots will miss a round during the 2016 NFL Draft thanks to their involvement in the Deflategate scandal. The last player the Patriots acquired in free agency was running back Donald Brown even though perennial Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount is still a free agent.
Signing Knighton would continue the depth additions to this defensive front and ensure that the team will have enough bodies along the defensive line to keep this pass rush healthy for most of the season.
