The New England Patriots are making a flurry of free-agent signings suddenly Friday night.
The Patriots signed offensive tackle Matt Tobin to a one-year deal, a source told NESN.com. The Providence Journal’s Mark Daniels first reported the signing.
Tobin, 27, spent 2017 with the Seattle Seahawks. He’s played offensive tackle and guard during his five-year NFL career.
Tobin went undrafted out of Iowa in 2013 before catching on as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles. He started 13 games at right guard for the Eagles in 2015 after starting seven games at guard for Philadelphia in 2014. He’s only played sparingly over the last two seasons, when he’s been a reserve offensive tackle.
At 6-foot-6, 303 pounds, Tobin likely projects as an offensive tackle with the Patriots. The Patriots are tackle-needy after Nate Solder signed with the New York Giants. Patriots backup offensive tackles LaAdrian Waddle and Cameron Fleming both are free agents. The Patriots have Marcus Cannon, Cole Croston, Andrew Jelks and Antonio Garcia at the position.
Tobin tested out well coming out of Iowa in 2013 when he ran a 4.90-second 40-yard dash with a 7.69-second 3-cone, 4.62-second short shuttle, 28.5-inch vertical leap and 8-foot, 11-inch broad jump. The Patriots signed another Iowa product, defensive end Adrian Clayborn, Friday night. They also reportedly added running back Jeremy Hill.
