The New England Patriots want free agent offensive tackle Cameron Fleming to return, but it is uncertain now, as he is scheduled to visit the Dallas Cowboys on Monday. The scheduled visit was reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider. In case Fleming signs with the Cowboys, he will be the second tackle lost by the Patriots to free agency. Recently, left tackle Nate Solder signed a four-year deal worth $62 million with the New York Giants after playing for the Patriots since 2011. According to Rapoport, Solder’s deal has guaranteed money of $34.9 million.
With an average salary of $15.5 million per season, Solder is now the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL.
The Patriots recently signed offensive tackle Matt Tobin to a one-year deal, according to NESN.com. The 27-year-old Tobin is a versatile player, shifting from offensive tackle and guard during his five-year NFL career. Before signing with the Patriots, Tobin played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Seattle Seahawks. The Patriots are also expected to keep offensive tackle LaAdrian Waddle, who was spotted at Gillette Stadium on Friday. If Waddle stays with the Patriots, it’s an indication that they will move on from Fleming, who was taken in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. Fleming played in 47 games, starting 20 of them, with the Patriots.
Cardinals sign offensive lineman
The Arizona Cardinals have given their struggling offensive line a boost after signing former New York Giants offensive lineman Justin Pugh to a five-year deal worth just over $45 million, according to Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Pugh will join forces with Andre Smith, who was also signed by the Cardinals to protect their quarterback for next season.
Last season, the Cardinals’ offensive unit failed to give enough protection for their signal-callers Carson Palmer, Blaine Gabbert and Drew Stanton. Pugh was sidelined for the last four games of the 2017 season due to a back injury. However, he was given the go-ahead to resume all football activities after an MRI revealed no structural damage to his back.
Pugh will now protect quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon, who were recently signed by the Cardinals.
Ex-Eagle joins Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry to a three-year contract with a base value of $23 million, with $11 million in guaranteed money. With the additional incentives, Curry could earn up to $27 million, according to Rapoport. The Eagles released Curry on Friday to avoid paying him a guaranteed $5 million salary next season.
