The New England Patriots have some extra money to throw around in free agency, and they could spend it on one of the best defensive tackles on the open market.
The Patriots have showed interest in former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley, a source told the Providence Journal’s Mark Daniels. The No. 11 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft missed half of the 2014 season with an MCL sprain.
The 6-foot-4, 308-pound defensive tackle has 13.5 sacks in four seasons. Fairley has been slightly inconsistent and struggled with weight issues during his time with the Lions, but he could help fortify the Patriots’ defensive line.
Fairley can play one-technique and three-technique defensive tackle, and he has the ability to dominate against the run or pass.
Fairley is visiting the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday, a source told ESPN’s Josina Anderson. The Lions are no longer interested in signing Fairley, the Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday.
Thumbnail photo via Tim Fuller/USA TODAY Sports Images
