Former Patriots Lineman Finds New NFL Home In NFC West

A former New England Patriots offensive lineman is getting a fresh start on the opposite coast.

The Los Angeles Rams announced Tuesday that they signed tackle Conor McDermott, who played 12 games for the Patriots over the last two seasons, including starting five games in 2023.

McDermott, who was released at the end of April after New England selected two offensive tackles in the NFL draft, had a bumpy time with the Patriots. The 6-foot-8, 305-pounder initially came to New England during the 2022 season when the Patriots signed McDermott off the New York Jets practice squad.

McDermott showed well enough as a depth piece that he earned a two-year, $3.6 million deal the following offseason. But he didn't get to play on that deal with the Patriots releasing McDermott with an injury settlement to start last offseason.

The two sides reunited a little over a month later in mid-October and McDermott bounced back between the practice squad and active roster for the majority of the season. He was signed off the practice squad at the end of November before he ultimately ended the season on injured reserve.

McDermott has only known the AFC East in his six-year NFL career -- he also suited up for the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills -- but now gets a chance with the Sean McVay-led Rams.

McDermott has competition as he joins the Rams, though. Los Angeles also signed offensive linemen Matt Kaskey and Alec Lindstrom, a Boston College product, alongside McDermott.