FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots’ linebacker depth took a hit when Brandon Spikes left the scene of a car crash and subsequently was released in early June.
The Patriots made due with four linebackers to begin the 2015 season, but they filled their void Tuesday when they acquired Jon Bostic in a trade with the Chicago Bears. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick explained Wednesday morning why Bostic was an appealing option.
“Jonathan has been a productive player, was very productive in college, started a bunch of games for the Bears,” Belichick said. “He’s played both inside and outside in the 4-3, athletic, runs well, smart, can play in the kicking game. I think he can potentially give us depth on all four downs.”
Belichick said he spent “a day” working out Bostic before the 2013 NFL Draft.
“I mean, there were other players there too — (Josh) Evans, the other linebacker, Jelani Jenkins,” Belichick said. “They had a few guys.”
Bostic joins starting linebackers Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Jerod Mayo and reserve Jonathan Freeny on the Patriots’ linebacker depth chart. Pass rushers Rob Ninkovich and Dekoda Watson also have experience playing off-the-line linebacker. The Patriots also have Dane Fletcher on their physically-unable-to-perform list. He’s eligible to return to action in Week 7 against the New York Jets.
Bostic mostly played middle linebacker with the Bears, though he also has experience at strong- and weak-side linebacker. The 6-foot-1, 245-pound defender was Florida’s starting middle linebacker in 2011 and 2012.
Thumbnail photo via Andrew Weber/USA TODAY Sports Images
