Patriots Sign Ex-Bills Free-Agent Linebacker To Boost Roster

The New England Patriots are adding more strength to their roster and head coach Bill Belichick is all-in when it comes to building a monster roster. The Patriots made a move to sign a former Buffalo Bills linebacker right before the first preseason game.

Mike Reiss reported that the team has added free agent linebacker Joe Giles-Harris to their roster. The Patriots have no holes on their roster anymore.

The Patriots are filling their final open roster spot with LB Joe Giles-Harris (Duke/Bills). He was one of 4 LBs in for a workout today.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 9, 2023

Giles-Harris made a few steps in the NFL, spending time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Bills. He was a Bills linebacker for two seasons and the team cut ties with him in January. The Bills used him as a special-teams contributor and Giles-Harris took 57 snaps in the kicking and punting part of the game.

Patriots sign the former Bills linebacker to add depth to their unit

Belichick has a few options to work with. He will pick the right players for his main positions. Will the newly-signed linebacker earn a spot on the 53-man roster? He has enough experience and skills to do so. There’s a catch though. The Patriots have a nice depth at linebacker. They have Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, and Ja’Whaun Bentley and Giles-Harris will definitely not come before any of these guys. However, he will probably come before Anfernee Jennings, DaMarcus Mitchell, and Jahlani Tavai.

Patriots have strong linebackers on the floor at the moment. Players do need to stay healthy to continue their great job on the field. Judon and Uche did wonders with the team last season. The former led the team with 15.5 sacks in 2022 and Uche had 11.5 sacks. Belichick counts on these two and they better continue their great performance.

When it comes to Bentley, he is one of the best rush defenders on Belichick’s roster. He ranked 16^th among NFL linebackers, leading the Patriots in total tackles in 2022.

Giles-Harris started the preseason wearing the No.53 uniform. He brings fresh power to the team and Patriots coaches will find a way to use it. Let’s see what happens in the first couple of games of the preseason.