Terrance Knighton to Sign with New England Patriots
The Pot Roast has reportedly found a new home. After not being signed during the initial wave of free agency, veteran nose tackle Terrance Knighton spent the past couple days with his former team the Washington Redskins and the New England Patriots.
The 29-year old Knighton signed a one year deal with the Redskins prior to last season worth $4.450 million with just under $3 million guaranteed.
According to ESPN’s Dianna Marie Russini, Terrance Knighton will sign with the New England Patriots and help solidify their interior defensive line. His deal is worth a reported $4.5 million over one year, according to multiple media reports.
I'm told Terrance Knighton informed the Patriots he will joining the team, but nothing signed.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 31, 2016
Here’s what NFL Mocks staff writer Raekwon Gilbert had to say about Terrance Knighton heading into NFL free agency earlier this offseason:
"NT Terrance Knighton is one of the premiere nose tackles in the NFL, when he’s in shape. Knighton has had issues with many of the teams that he has played with because of his weight and it seems that the Washington Redskins are dealing with the same dilemma. Knighton recorded 29 combined tackles and 1.5 sacks in his first season in Washington and could still serve to be a serviceable player that could be plugged into a defense. There should be a substantial amount of teams interested."
The Patriots have been looking for depth on their defensive line, especially after trading their leading sacker Chandler Jones to the Arizona Cardinals. They also brought in veteran pass rusher Chris Long earlier in the offseason, along with Frank Kearse.
Knighton has played for seven years in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, and the Redskins. He has 14 career sacks, but he’s best known for being effective in the run-stopping game. New England allowed 1,580 rushing yards last season, which was in the top ten in least amount of running yards allowed.
The Patriots are entering the draft with no first round pick following the Deflategate ruling, but own two second round picks following their trade with the Cardinals.