The New England Patriots made a significant move on Thursday by signing veteran defensive tackle Mike Purcell. The contract terms were not immediately disclosed, but this signing comes at a crucial time for the Patriots as they look to bolster their defensive line.
The Patriots recently announced that standout defensive tackle Christian Barmore is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with blood clots. This left a void on the defensive line that needed to be filled, and the addition of Mike Purcell should help shore up the position.
Purcell, 33, brings a wealth of experience to the Patriots. Last season with the Denver Broncos, he started 10 of the 16 games he played in, recording 25 tackles, five quarterback hits, and one fumble recovery. Throughout his career, which has included stints with the San Francisco 49ers and the Broncos, Purcell has accumulated 208 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 15 tackles for loss in 90 games.
Despite going undrafted out of Wyoming, Purcell has proven himself to be a valuable player in the NFL. He also spent time on several teams’ practice squads from 2013-18, including two separate stints with the Patriots in 2017. This familiarity with the organization should help him acclimate quickly to his new team.
The Patriots took to Twitter to announce the signing, congratulating Purcell on joining the team. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see what impact he can make on the Patriots’ defense moving forward.
In a league where depth and experience are crucial, the addition of Mike Purcell could prove to be a key move for the New England Patriots as they look to solidify their defense and make a push for the playoffs. The team and fans alike will be eagerly anticipating his contributions on the field in the upcoming season.
