Patriots Acquire Jerel Worthy From Packers
WEDNESDAY, 5:59pm: It appears that Worthy has passed his physical since the trade is now on the NFL transactions wire, according to Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel (on Twitter).
TUESDAY, 8:40pm: The Packers will receive a seventh-round choice if Worthy makes the Pats’ final 53-man roster, tweets Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press Gazette.
8:18pm: Tyler Dunne of the Journal Sentinel (on Twitter) hears that the Packers are getting a conditional future draft pick for Worthy.
6:38pm: The Patriots have added two defensive linemen via trade in one evening. Shortly after acquiring defensive lineman Ben Bass from the Cowboys in exchange for cornerback Justin Green, the Pats have landed defensive tackle Jerel Worthy from the Packers, according to agent Chafie Fields (on Twitter).
The deal, however, is pending a physical, and that’s more than just a mere formality. Worthy, a 2012 second-round pick out of Michigan State, tore his ACL in the final game of the 2012 season and played only 12 snaps last season. Meanwhile, he has yet to practice this offseason thanks to a back injury. Worthy saw time in 14 games for Green Bay in 2012 and made four starts, notching 2.5 sacks and 11 tackles in total.
If he’s healthy, the Patriots are adding a tremendously strong defensive tackle/end who has a proven track record of getting to the quarterback from his time with the Spartans. Worthy would also help to supplement New England’s depth on the defensive line along with Bass, who has also been hampered by health issues this offseason.
The Patriots are hoping that Dominique Easley will also be a key contributor on the d-line this season but tonight’s trades could signal that they are concerned about his health. The former University of Florida standout and No. 29 pick in this year’s draft tore his ACL last season and only began practicing this week. Easley did some individual drills and then worked on a tackling dummy, according to Adam Kurkjian of the Boston Herald, but wasn’t going full speed.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
NFC Mailbags: Giants, Redskins, Packers, Rams
It’s Saturday, and that means ESPN.com’s NFL writers are opening up their mailbags and answering questions from readers. Let’s check out some interesting tidbits from the NFC…
- The Giants have liked what they’ve seen from offensive tackle Brandon Mosley, writes Dan Graziano. The team hopes he can establish himself as a reliable backup or replacement for Chris Snee.
- If Redskins wideout Aldrick Robinson ultimately makes the squad, John Keim envisions some roster repercussions. Nick Williams would likely stick around on the practice squad while Leonard Hankerson could start the season on the physically unable to perform list. Keim adds that veteran Santana Moss is “in a good spot.”
- While former first-round pick Nick Perry is a “lock” to make the Packers, Rob Demovsky believes some of the team’s other early draft picks will have to prove their worth. The writer says that former first-rounder Derek Sherrod will have to use the preseason to “finally show whether he can play left tackle in the NFL.” Meanwhile, former second-rounder Jerel Worthy will have to battle off a number of worthy competitors.
- When asked which members of the 2013 Rams may not make this year’s roster, Nick Wagoner points to defensive tackle Matt Conrath and safety Matt Daniels. The writer also includes running back Isaiah Pead, quarterback Austin Davis and offensive tackle Mike Person.
Demovsky On The Packers
The Packers and agent Drew Rosenhaus have engaged in open dialogue about free agent cornerback Sam Shields, according to ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky, who participated in a chat with fans. Other tidbits:
- Inside linebacker A.J. Hawk‘s 2013 season was his best yet, and Packers coaches value the veteran’s dependability, reliability and accountability despite his physical limitations. Brad Jones, however, must “play much better or they need to find a replacement,” says Demovsky.
- Nick Perry and Jerel Worthy, the team’s first two 2012 draft picks, have both disappointed and it’s unknown if either fit the defensive scheme.
- Demovsky spoke to a scout who believes Johnny Jolly could slide inside to nose tackle if he’s re-signed.
- When asked about the team potentially locking up receivers Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson long-term, Demovsky described Cobb as a “no-brainer,” but wondered if Nelson would “drive a harder bargain” because he took a below-market deal (four years, $12.6MM) in 2011 and his next deal will likely be his last big contract.
- Demovsky does not envision the team splurging for a blockbuster free agent (i.e. a player requiring an $8MM-$10MM signing bonus), but sees a few “mid-level” signings as realistic.
- “Chances are good” the team will draft a developmental quarterback in the mid to late rounds.
Extra Points: Packers, Muamba, Polian
Weston Hodkiewicz of the Green Bay Press-Gazette thinks that the Packers will be forced to lean heavily on a cadre of young defensive lineman that will step into starting roles next season. Defensive linemen Mike Daniels, Datone Jones, and Jerel Worthy will likely replace departing free agents B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, and Johnny Jolly on the defensive front of the Packers’ base 3-4 defense. Defensive line coach Mike Trgovac expects Jones and Worthy to mimic Daniels’ 2013 campaign with breakout performances next year.
A few more Monday night notes:
- Adrian Wilson is ready and excited for his 2014 comeback season with the Patriots after spending the entire 2013 season on the IR with a hamstring injury, writes Tom E. Curran of Comcast SportsNet New England.
- The Ravens tried out Canadian Football League middle linebacker Henoc Muamba earlier today, according to a report from Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun.
- Bill Polian sat down with Tom E. Curran of Comcast SportsNet New England and discussed the Patriots needs in the impending offseason. Polian thinks that the Patriots will target a receiving tight end. He also imagines Bill Belichick will pursue a more balanced offensive game plan to take pressure off of Tom Brady. In the piece, Polian also weighs in on the ongoing debate of whether Peyton Manning or Brady is a better quarterback.