The New England Patriots have added another free agent to their roster as they continue to add depth to their defensive unit. They have signed defensive tackle Terrance Knighton to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million. At 29 years old, Knighton is a solid defensive tackle who may have had a disappointing season for the Washington Redskins in 2015, but he looks primed to bounce back with the Patriots.
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.
The Patriots have been pretty busy this offseason as Knighton becomes the ninth free agent addition for New England. On the defensive side of the ball, they have added free agents Shea McClellin, a former inside linebacker for the Chicago Bears, defensive end Chris Long formerly of the Los Angeles Rams, and outside linebacker Ramon Humber from the New Orleans Saints.
They also added cornerback E.J. Biggers and defensive end Frank Kearse, both of which should help provide some depth for this defensive unit. On the offensive side of the ball, the Patriots have added wide receiver Nate Washington, tight end Clay Harbor, running back Donald Brown, and traded for Pro Bowl Bears tight end Martellus Bennett.
The Patriots are likely this active in free agency because they will not have a first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. This was their penalty for their role in the Deflategate scandal, and even a letter written personally by Patriots owner Robert Kraft could not convince NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to repeal the sanctions imposed on them.
New England has done a solid job this offseason finding value in relatively cost effective free agents, who should add more depth to this team as whole and could potentially be more important than a first round pick. Knighton should be utilized by this defense as a situational pass rusher if he does not earn a starting role.
