Report: Patriots Sign Former Texans Tight End

derson joinsNew England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and the team in general are still pulling out some of their greatest tricks. The regular season is about to start, and this time the Patriots signed a former Texans tight end.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss confirmed that the team landed former Texans tight end Stephen Anderson. We could spot him during Thursday’s practice. Anderson signed with the team’s practice squad, and his signing was nothing but a tactical mind trick by the Pats.

Anderson spent 2016 and 2017 with the Houston Texans, and the Patriots will face the team in Week 1.

This doesn’t come as a surprise, because Bill Belichick likes to sign players that have been playing with the team’s upcoming opponent. The Patriots are looking for new players, but they’re even more excited about the signing of players who can unveil former family secrets. It’s the added bonus Belichick gets when signing players like Anderson.

The tight end entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Cal in 2016. He spent his pro career with the Texans. He played in 15 games for the Texans in 2017, and had five starts. Anderson caught 25 of his 52 targets for 342 yards and a touchdown.

Anderson worked out for the team this week, and they liked his game. He was elected to join the team, and this opens another question. Who will leave the team to make room for him?

Wide receivers Jace Billingsley and Riley McCarron build the practice squad along with offensive lineman Cole Croston, quarterback Danny Etling, defensive lineman Trent Harris, offensive lineman James Ferentz, offensive tackle Eric Smith, defensive tackle Vincent Valentine, running back Ralph Webb and corner Jomal Wiltz.
The tight end will wear No. 80.

Anderson will give the Patriots nice depth at the tight end position, and it will be as solid as the one provided by Will Tye on the practice unit.