For the second time in a month, a trade involving a New England Patriots offensive lineman has fallen through.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday morning the Patriots were trading guard Josh Kline to the Philadelphia Eagles as part of a package for defensive back Eric Rowe.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick later confirmed the deal in an interview with WEEI’s “Dale & Holley,” saying the swap “was something that will help our football team”
Then, a few hours after that, Schefter reported the following.
OL Josh Kline no longer will be included in trade sending CB Eric Rowe to Patriots. Kline remains Patriots property and could be released.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 6, 2016
Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News was the first to report Kline wouldn’t land with the Eagles.
So what happened? Well, that remains unclear at this time. Bryan Stork’s trade from the Patriots to the Washington Redskins last month was nixed after the lineman failed a physical, but CSNNE.com’s Tom E. Curran reported Kline “simply was removed from (his) deal.”
Kline underwent offseason shoulder surgery, and he appeared to re-injure his shoulder during the Patriots’ second preseason game. He went on to play in each of the team’s final two exhibition contests, however, and was expected to begin the regular season as New England’s starting right guard.
The Patriots still will acquire Rowe, according to multiple reports, and send a fourth-round draft pick to the Eagles.
“We felt like Rowe would give us some depth in the secondary,” Belichick said on “Dale & Holley.” “He’s a young player, in his second year. We’ll see where that goes.”
Belichick also praised Kline in that same interview.
“I have a lot of respect for Josh,” the coach said. “He came in here as an undrafted player. Spent a little bit of time on the practice squad. Worked hard to make the team. Has played for us. We’ve won with him.”
The Patriots visit the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday night in their regular-season opener.
Thumbnail photo via Chris Humphreys/USA TODAY Sports Images
