Report: Patriots Host Veteran Free Agent D-Tackle For Tryout

The New England Patriots didn’t have Beau Allen in training camp, and the team has started evaluating the defensive tackle unit. Head coach Bill Belichick is willing to make a move, and the Patriots have hosted another veteran free agent.

New England hosted veteran free agent Xavier Williams for a tryout Wednesday. ESPN’s Mike Reiss was among the first to report the big news.

The 28-year-old has been on the open market since the Kansas City Chiefs decided to move on without him. It was a big blow for the veteran and now he has to find a new home in the NFL. The Northern Iowa product played two seasons with the Chiefs after playing three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.

In 2018, Willians had 47 tackles, 2 ½ sacks in 16 games. He measures at 6 feet 2, 309 pounds. The defensive tackle missed 11 games due to an ankle injury in 2019. Williams returned right on time for the playoffs but the Chiefs didn’t use him in Super Bowl LIV.

Patriots show interest in another veteran free agent

The Patriots were ready to use Allen as a replacement for Danny Shelton. He didn’t join the team for any of the Patriots’ three practices this week. The Patriots signed the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player to a two-year deal worrth $7 million.

New England worked out three players earlier this week. Tight ends Pau Burton and Alex Ellis and offensive lineman Ben Braden joined the team, and did their best to earn a contract with the big team.

The team will have to make a few more changes and there are still some open spots on the 53-man roster. New England has two open spots to fill, and analysts have made some predictions regarding the potential options for the team.

Head coach Belichick hasn’t made any comments on his next moves. Picking the right quarterback is his priority now, and Belichick will have to make a decision after training camp. Newton, Stidham, and Hoyer have roles in training camp. But, this is about to change in the next few weeks.