The New England Patriots will lose another key piece of their offensive line as free agent offensive tackle Cameron Fleming is set to sign a deal with the Dallas Cowboys. The signing was first reported by Field Yates of ESPN, based on his source. Fleming and fellow free agent LaAdrian Waddle visited the Cowboys last week, but the latter decided to stay in New England, signing a one-year deal with the Patriots. Waddle’s signing indicated that the Patriots will part ways with Fleming, whom they selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Since then, Fleming started 20 of 47 games in four seasons with the Patriots.
Last season, Fleming started 6 of 12 games as he filled in for Waddle and Marcus Cannon. With Fleming joining the Cowboys, the Patriots lost two of their three offensive tackles that hit free agency.
Patriots lose Solder to Giants
Earlier, Nate Solder signed a massive four-year deal worth $62 million with the New York Giants. A 17th overall pick by the Patriots in the 2011 NFL Draft, Solder played his first seven NFL seasons in New England as their primary left tackle. With two of their three offensive tackles gone, the Patriots currently have Waddle, Cannon, Cole Croston, Matt Tobin, Antonio Garcia and Andrew Jelks on their offensive tackle depth chart. As of now, the Patriots have just two free agents on the free agent market -- defensive tackle Alan Branch and linebacker James Harrison.
Patriots safety denied entry into Costa Rica
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider, Patriots safety Duron Harmon was denied entry into Costa Rica and sent back to the United States after customs officials allegedly found marijuana and paraphernalia in his luggage. Per a source, Rapoport said Harmon was caught with 58 grams of marijuana in his possession.
The marijuana was inside a can of iced tea, according to Rapoport. Also found in Harmon’s possession were three pipes with cannabis oil, a THC candy, and four glass containers with compressed marijuana that weighed 4.3 grams. Rapoport said Harmon was not arrested, but instead was sent back to the United States. According to a Patriots spokesperson, the team is aware of the situation involving Harmon and confirmed that the safety has returned to the United States.
The Patriots are seeking more information regarding the incident. Harmon could be punished by the NFL under the league’s personal conduct policy. A third-round pick by the Patriots in 2013, Harmon started 21 regular-season and postseason games, tallying 14 interceptions.
