Patriots strengthen defense with new signings
- Patriots sign edge rushers Kobe Jones and Christian McCarroll to bolster their defensive line.
- Christian Barmore possibly out for the season, and Matthew Judon moves to play for the Atlanta Falcons.
- The signings provide depth to the Patriots' defense amidst key player changes.
FOXBORO – In a strategic move following Matthew Judon's departure to the Atlanta Falcons, the New England Patriots have strengthened their defensive line by signing defensive end Kobe Jones and linebacker Chris McCarroll. The team hosted both players for workouts on Tuesday morning, leading to their contracts being finalized later that day, as reported by Doug Kyed of The Boston Herald and NFL insider Aaron Wilson. Kobe Jones, 26, began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins in 2021. Over the past two years, he has been part of the practice squads for the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers, appearing in two games for the Packers in 2022. After being released by the Panthers, Jones played six games with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League, where he recorded two defensive tackles and one special teams tackle. Chris McCarroll, who went undrafted this year, had a standout collegiate career at Division II Grand Valley State, earning All-American honors. He accumulated 151 tackles and 15 sacks throughout his time in college, including eight sacks and 67 tackles in his final season, which earned him the title of Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference defensive lineman of the year. As the Patriots prepare for their preseason finale against the Washington Commanders, both Jones and McCarroll will have limited time to acclimate to the team, but their potential contributions to New England's pass rush will be closely monitored during the upcoming season.