ICYMI: Patriots make moves over weekend, get Kony Ealy, Brandin Cooks and Lawrence Guy

Derick E. Hingle | USA TODAY Sports

The NFL New Year started just four days ago, and the New England Patriots have been busy ever since.

This past weekend, the team added former Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy, former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks and former Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Lawrence Guy.

On Friday, New England traded their second-round pick to Carolina in exchange for pass-rusher Kony Ealy and the Panthers’ third-round pick. The 25-year-old Ealy was productive in his three seasons with Carolina, totaling 76 combined tackles and 14 sacks.

Joining the defensive group will be veteran tackle Lawrence Guy. Guy signed a four-year deal with the Patriots on Saturday that is reportedly worth as much as $20 million. The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder played 487 snaps on defense (46.51 percent) and 123 snaps on special teams (26.74 percent) for the Baltimore Ravens last season. Guy has 6.5 sacks in five NFL seasons, with 5.5 of those coming in the last two season with the Ravens.

Adding more youth and productivity to the Patriots roster is former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks. It was announced on Saturday that New England acquired him in a trade package that sent the Patriots No. 32 pick to the Saints. Cooks has had 1,000-yard seasons each of the last two years. He totaled 1,138 yards on 84 receptions with nine touchdowns in 2015, and 1,173 yards on 78 receptions with eight touchdowns last year.

Stay tuned for more trades, signings and more by the Patriots in NFL free agency.

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