The New England Patriots surprised a lot of teams earlier this offseason when they released 2014 first-round defensive lineman Dominique Easley. Though Easley didn't live up to his high draft status, he was a quality rotational lineman who was able to generate pressure in the pocket. As a young player with upside, no one expected him to be out of work for too long.
Easley worked out for the Los Angeles Rams Tuesday afternoon, and later that evening, the two sides agreed to a one-year deal, according to reports. Easley is now the fifth players on L.A.'s defensive line who was drafted in the first-round, joining Michael Brockers, Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn and fellow offseason free agent signing Quinton Coples. Despite the abundance of talent up front, the Rams managed an NFL-low 18.0 sacks in 2015. They'll need Easley to help beef up their pass-rush.
Though highly pedigreed, New England decided to part ways with the 285-pound D-lineman after the two sides reportedly had "philosophical differences on following injury programs." Patriots head coach Bill Belichick expects players to toe a very fine line, and he has little patience for those that operate outside of those parameters.
Easley struggled with injuries during his first two seasons, missing 10 of a possible 32 regular-season games due to hip, knee and ankle ailments. He also tore his ACL at the University of Florida, but the Patriots still drafted him with the 29th overall pick anyway. One former teammate claimed that Easley was a "locker room cancer," and another source said he "comes across as an entitled kid" who "thinks he's invincible." That doesn't sound like a player Belichick has much tolerance for.
On the field, Easley has accrued 25 career tackles and three sacks. He also recorded 33 QB hurries in 2015. He'll be expected to replace the departed Nick Fairley, who appeared in 15 games last season before signing with the New Orleans Saints in free agency this offseason.
