The New England Patriots boosted their offensive line depth Monday.
The Patriots acquired guard Ryan Groy from the Chicago Bears in exchange for sixth-round draft pick Matthew Wells, a linebacker, according to the NFL transaction wire.
Groy signed with the Bears last year as an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin. He started the season on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster in November. Groy played in four games, starting three at left guard, as a rookie. He played left tackle, left guard, center and fullback with the Badgers.
Groy joins Ryan Wendell, Josh Kline, Mark Asper, Chris Barker, Marcus Cannon, Jordan Devey, Cameron Fleming, Caylin Hauptmann, Bryan Stork and rookies Tre’ Jackson, Shaq Mason and David Andrews on the Patriots’ interior offensive line.
Wendell and Jackson are projected to start at guard for the Patriots this season, but Wendell currently is on the Patriots’ physically unable to perform list.
Mason and Jackson have been taking first-team reps at guard, but Mason’s lack of experience as a pass blocker could preclude him from beginning the season as a starter. Andrews and Kline recently have had issues with muffed snaps at center, and Stork is nursing an injury.
Wells was selected No. 178 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-2, 222-pound linebacker mostly was working on special teams during training camp.
Thumbnail photo via Andrew Weber/USA TODAY Sports Images
