Patriots host outside linebacker Matt Shaugnessy
Clearly, the Patriots feel that linebacker depth is an issue.
The team is expected to lose Brandon Spikes in free agency, and will be relying on a rotation of Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins and a recovering Jerod Mayo. They plan to add more versatility to the mix.
The Patriots are hosting OLB Matt Shaughnessy on a visit today, per a league source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 12, 2014
According to Pro Football Focus, Shaugnessy is one of the best run defending linebackers in the game, certainly an area the team could use help in after having one of the worst run defenses last year. Shaugnessy also fits the mold of a typical Patriot linebacker at 6-5, 260 lbs.
Matt Shaughnessy with a +30.8 career run defense grade. Very effective there, could help Jones/ Ninkovich cut down on heavy snap count
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) March 12, 2014
He's been in the league for four years, spending most of that time in Oakland. He spent last season with the Cardinals.
He would still be a depth signing, but health concerns at least aren't an issue. Shaugnessy has played in all 16 games in four of his five seasons in the league.
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