The Patriots are reportedly adding wide receiver Maurice Harris, safety Terrence Brooks, and defensive tackle Mike Pennel to their short list of offseason additions. Brooks and Pennel both played for the New York Jets last season, but the team declined both of their contract options and made them a free agent. Maurice Harris was with the Washington Redskins for three seasons but has decided to join the Patriots as a free agent.
Terrence Brooks was a third-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens back in 2014 but has also been a member of the Eagles and Jets during his career. His deal with New England is for two years. Over the course of his career, Brooks has made three interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 43 total tackles. These stats may not be impressive, but it makes sense seeing as though he has only started one game in his career.
Brooks joins the Patriots’ safety corps that includes Patrick Chung, Devin McCourty, and Duron Harmon. These three players have been very consistent during their time in New England. The Patriots needed depth at this position in case of injuries, and he fulfills that role.
Meanwhile, the Patriots will add Maurice Harris to their receiving corps on a one-year deal. The Patriots’ wide receivers include Braxton Berrios, Phillip Dorsett, Julian Edelman, Bruce Ellington, and Damoun Patterson. Harris’ time in Washington included stints on both the active roster and practice squad. In his total playing time, he has made 40 catches for 432 yards and one touchdown.
The Patriots lost defensive tackle Malcom Brown to the Saints in free agency today, and Pennel is a great addition for depth. He is not necessarily a starting-caliber player, but he does fill the hole for now. He has 102 total tackles, one sack, and ten quarterback hits in his career.
So far this offseason, the Patriots have not made many major moves. Perhaps the most notable of them all, though, was acquiring defensive end Michael Bennett from the Philadelphia Eagles to replace Trey Flowers. This could lead to his brother, Martellus Bennett, potentially unretiring to re-join the team. Other moves include re-signing receiver Phillip Dorsett, cornerback Jason McCourty, and defensive end John Simon, tendering receiver Josh Gordon and cornerback Jonathan Jones, as well as bringing in running back Brandon Bolden and receiver Bruce Ellington.
