Foxborough, MA - January 17: New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo speaks during his introductory press conference at Gillette Stadium. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
The NFL’s free agency period officially began less than an hour ago, and the New England Patriots have already made their first move of the new season.
The team has signed defensive lineman Armon Watts to a one-year contract, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The agreement is worth a base of $3 million.
In 2019, Watts, 27, was selected by the league out of Arkansas in the sixth round of the draft. He played in 40 games as a rotational option along the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive line during his first three seasons with the organisation. However, the organisation decided to cut him before the 2022 roster cutdowns, which allowed the Chicago Bears to claim him off waivers.
Before signing a one-year contract to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, Watts played with the Bears for one season. His career stats include 73 regular season and postseason games played, 141 tackles, and 8.5 sacks.
The 6-foot-5, 307-pound defender is currently bringing his skills to New England, where he supports a team that lost veteran Lawrence Guy earlier in the summer. However, unlike Guy, Watts is more of a depth player than a starter.
Along with tight end Austin Hooper, linebacker Sione Takitaki, quarterback Jacoby Brissett, and running back Antonio Gibson, Watts is the fifth outside free agent the Patriots have signed this week.
