Patriots Linked To Pro Bowler Ahead Of NFL Trade Deadline

The Patriots are expected to be busy with the trade deadline right around the corner, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll only be making trades.

New England is being linked to a high-profile free agent.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Saturday that the club has “been in touch” with free agent offensive tackle D.J. Humphries — who suffered a torn ACL in the final week of last season but has garnered interest from tackle-needy teams in recent weeks.

New England also reportedly “checked in” with the Jacksonville Jaguars about offensive tackle Cam Robinson before he was ultimately traded to the Minnesota Vikings.

Humphries, 30, worked out for the New York Giants last week but ultimately left without a deal. New England certainly would have to look into his knee before making a decision, but the former first-round pick played at a high level throughout his eight seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.

Humphries stands at 6-foot-5, 307 pounds, and would instantly provide the Patriots with much-needed veteran experience at tackle — especially with the uncertain status of Vederian Lowe from week to week.