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New England Patriots Rumors: Team Hosts Defensive End Jared Odrick

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

May 28, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Jared Odrick (75) during OTAs at the Florida Blue Health and Wellness Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Jared Odrick (75) during OTAs at the Florida Blue Health and Wellness Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots may be close to adding veteran pass rusher Jared Odrick to the mix at defensive end.

After being released from the Jacksonville Jaguars last Monday, free-agent defensive end Jared Odrick may be returning to the AFC East.  According to a report by Mike Kaye of First Coast News, the New England Patriots recently brought in Odrick for a visit.

Although free agency doesn’t officially begin until March 9, Odrick is free to sign with a team before that period since he was released by Jacksonville as cap casualty.

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The 29-year-old defensive end would have been guaranteed $5.5 million of his $6.5 million base salary if he was not cut by March 13.  Along with a $2 million bonus, the Jaguars freed up $8.5 million by releasing Odrick.

This was all part of a five-year, $45.5 million contract Odrick signed with Jacksonville during the 2015 offseason. Mostly due to injury, it is fair to say that he did not live up to expectations in Jacksonville.  Odrick led the team with 5.5 sacks during his first season, but spent most of the 2016 season battling injuries to his shoulder, ankle, quad and triceps.

Overall, Penn State alum only played in just six games in 2016, ultimately landing on the season-ending injured reserve.  In potentially landing Odrick, the New England Patriots will have another Chris Long type situation where a player will be brought in with a chance to rejuvenate his career.

At 6-foot-5, 298 pounds, Jared Odrick has the capabilities of being a play maker on defense when healthy.  The Patriots know this first hand.  The versatile defensive end recorded two sacks on Tom Brady during a 2013 game while he was a member of the Miami Dolphins.

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If he returns to being the player that landed him the huge contract in Jacksonville, Odrick would be more than an adequate replacement for either Chris Long or Jabaal Sheard if either or both are lost to free agency.

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