New England Patriots Bolster the Defensive Line With Lawrence Guy Signing
The New England Patriots have signed defensive lineman Lawrence Guy, bolstering their defense once again. Guy, a former Raven, will look to make an instant impact.
Lawrence Guy made an official visit with the New England Patriots on Friday, and on Sunday he was signed to a four-year deal.
The deal is reportedly worth up to $20 million, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted.
The #Patriots are signing former #Ravens DL Lawrence Guy to a 4-year contract worth up to $20M, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2017
In Baltimore, Guy was used as a part-time run defender, and he played extremely well in that role as he competed in all 16 games last season. Guy will help to bolster the interior along with newly re-signed DT Alan Branch.
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So far, Lawrence Guy has been a journeyman. He’s played with the Colts, Chargers and the Ravens. he adds size to the line at 6’4″, 305lbs.
Although he won’t rack up sacks, Guy ranks in the top 10 for interior pass rushers according to NextGen Stats. The defensive tackle is also ranked in the top 25 as a run stopper.
The former seventh-round pick will likely be in a rotation with Alan Branch and Malcolm Brown on the inside. However, Guy’s size suggests that he may also be able to mix into the rotation on the edge with Rob Ninkovich, Kony Ealy, and Trey Flowers. Guy is a versatile player and Bill Belichick will certainly find the perfect role for him.
New England has certainly aimed to beef up their already strong defense. The team has re-signed Branch, signed Guy, traded for Ealy, and signed the top available CB in Stephon Gilmore. The Patriots focus now should be to re-sign Dont’a Hightower and extend Malcolm Butler to a long-term deal.
The Patriots still have plenty of cap space, and there are ways the can add even more.
Expect their activity to remain high in free agency, but with a focus on Hightower. Other remaining free agents the Patriots could be interested in include G T.J. Lang, RB Eddie Lacy, DE Connor Barwin, and CB Darius Butler.
LeGarrette Blount also remains on New England’s radar to re-sign.
Next: Brandin Cooks and Kony Ealy Heading to New England
This has been one of the most exciting Patriots offseason’s in a long time, I expect it to continue.