The New England Patriots are looking to upgrade their pass rush.
Free-agent defensive end Will Smith is heading to New England for a visit Tuesday, ESPN’s John Clayton reported. Smith likely would serve as a rotational pass rusher for the Patriots with Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich.
Smith tore his ACL in training camp last season after the New Orleans Saints tried to convert him from defensive end to outside linebacker. He had six sacks in 2012.
Veteran Andre Carter served as the Patriots’ third pass rusher last season. He was signed before Week 8 and had just two sacks in nine games.
Smith likely would play defensive end on third down for the Patriots, with Jones moving over to defensive tackle. Jones was effective rushing the passer from defensive tackle in 2013.
Smith has spent his entire career with the Saints, who released him Feb. 12. His best season came in 2009 when he had 13 sacks.
