Today In Patriots History August 22: Jonnu Smith

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Today in Patriots History
Jonnu Smith​

Happy 29th birthday to Jonnu Smith
Born August 22, 1995 in Philadelphia
Patriot TE, 2021-22; uniform #81
Signed as a veteran free agent on March 19, 2021


March 15, 2021:

New England Patriots get 4-year, $50 million deal with ex-Tennessee Titans TE Jonnu Smith, agent says

Tight end Jonnu Smith is leaving the Titans after agreeing to a four-year contract with the Patriots, agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

www.espn.com

Former Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith reached agreement with the New England Patriots on a four-year, $50 million deal that includes $31.25 million fully guaranteed.​

The $12.5 million average annual value in Smith's deal is the second most the Patriots have given to a free agent in the last 10 years behind cornerback Stephon Gilmore's deal in 2017, which averages $13 million per season.​

The Patriots entered Monday among the NFL's leaders in salary-cap space, and they were motivated to address tight end, as life after Rob Gronkowski has been a challenge for them. Over the last two seasons, they have the fewest receptions (55), receiving yards (673), targets (87) and receiving touchdowns (3) from tight ends in the NFL.​

Smith took advantage of being the Titans' primary tight end last season by scoring a career-best eight touchdowns, second most on the team. He also had 41 receptions for 448 yards.​

All eight of Smith's touchdowns came in the red zone. The Patriots as a team had seven touchdown receptions in the red zone last season, fewest in the NFL.​

March 13, 2023:

Patriots Make a Surprise Move, Trade Jonnu Smith to Falcons | PatsFans.com

With less than an hour before the legal tampering period begins, the Patriots have already made a surprise move this morning.

www.patsfans.com

With less than an hour before the legal tampering period begins, the Patriots have already made a surprise move this morning.​

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the New England Patriots are sending tight end Jonnu Smith to the Falcons in a trade that creates cap space heading into free agency.​

New England will reportedly receive a 7th-round pick in the deal, which essentially allows them to unload his salary.​

Smith hasn’t lived up to the four-year, $50 million deal he signed prior to the 2021 season, which saw him catch just 28 passes for 294 yards and a touchdown in 2021, along with 27 passes for 245 yards and no touchdowns last season.​

Looking at his cap hit, according to Spotrac, Smith was set to carry a nearly $11 million cap number heading into the 2023 season. According to Patriots Cap expert, Miguel Benzan, the deal frees up almost $4 million in space, which allows New England to clear some room for whatever moves they have planned in the coming days.​

March 13, 2023:

Source: Falcons acquire TE Jonnu Smith from Patriots for pick

The Patriots have traded tight end Jonnu Smith to the Falcons for a seventh-round draft pick, according to ESPN and multiple reports.

www.espn.com

Smith signed with New England in 2021 after spending the first four years of his career with the Tennessee Titans. Falcons head coach Arthur Smith was the tight ends coach and then offensive coordinator for the Titans during Jonnu Smith's years in Tennessee.​

Jonnu Smith had signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the Patriots in March 2021, which included $31.25 million guaranteed. According to ESPN's Roster Management System, Smith had cap hits of $17,228,529 in 2023 and $18,405,000 in 2024 with New England.​

But he never found his groove in New England. In his first season with the team, he played in 16 games (11 starts) and totaled 28 receptions for 294 yards with one touchdown. Last season, he played in 14 games (eight starts) and had 27 catches for 245 yards and no touchdowns.​

The Patriots have veteran Hunter Henry and developmental prospects Matt Sokol and Scotty Washington at tight end, a position that becomes a greater need for New England in the draft or free agency. Henry enters the final year of his contract in 2023. The move creates about $4.4 million in salary-cap space for the Patriots.​

Smith has played in 90 career games, starting 72, with 169 catches for 1,841 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was especially productive with the Titans, with whom he had the best two years of his career, including a 41-catch, 448-yard, eight-touchdown season in 2020. In Atlanta, he could be in line for a similar role to the one he had in Tennessee.​

May 8, 2024:

Jonnu Smith signing with Dolphins: How veteran TE might fit inside Miami's talented offense

Smith's skill sets will be utilized by Mike McDaniel

www.cbssports.com

One of the top available free agents has just gone off the market. Veteran tight end Jonnu Smith, who was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons, is joining the Miami Dolphins, the team announced Friday. He and the Dolphins agreed to terms on a two-year, $10 million deal with the Miami Dolphins, according to NFL Media.​

The 28-year-old Smith spent just one year in Atlanta, catching off 50 of 70 targets for 582 yards and three touchdowns. Smith set career highs in receptions and yards last season, while his touchdown tally was his highest since 2020, when he caught eight touchdowns with the Titans.​

Jonnu Smith’s top career highlights [6:55]
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Today in Patriots History
Tony Fiammetta​

Happy 38th birthday to Tony Fiammetta
Born August 22, 1986 in Kaneohe, Hawaii
Patriot FB, 2012; uniform #42
Signed as a veteran free agent on March 28, 2012

April 5, 2012:

Former Syracuse University fullback Tony Fiammetta signs with New England Patriots

Margaret Bowles / APFormer SU fullback Tony Fiammetta spent last season with the Dallas Cowboys. Former Syracuse University fullback Tony Fiammetta has signed a contract to play for the New England Patriots. Terms were not disclosed. Fiammetta, 25, spent his...

www.syracuse.com

Tony Fiammetta was drafted in the fourth round of the 2009 draft by the Panthers out of Syracuse. He battled concussions in Carolina, which led to his release in September.​

Fiammetta played well for the Cowboys last season before a mysterious ailment — later revealed as an inner-ear infection that causes balance issues — caused him to miss three games. Fiammetta wasn’t quite the same player when he returned, but the Cowboys’ running backs enjoyed much more success when he was on the field compared to when he was off it.​

July 7, 2012 - Mike Rodak:

Bubble Watch: Tony Fiammetta

(Continuing a month-long series analyzing players who are on the roster bubble and where they may potentially fit in 2012.)NAME: Tony FiammettaPOSITION: FullbackAGE: 252011 STATS: 10 games (6 starts), 4 rushes (4 yards), 3 catches (39 yards) -- with CowboysINJURY STATUS: No known injuriesCHANCE...

www.espn.com

CHANCE OF MAKING 53-MAN ROSTER: 25%​

WHY HE SHOULD MAKE IT:Known as a strong blocking fullback, Fiammetta will have to earn a role in New England by doing more than just that. An equally important battle in training camp for the former Cowboys lead blocker will be to earn a role on special teams units. The Patriots could use a fullback more than they have in the past in 2012, but most likely not enough to justify a roster spot for a player who is only an adept blocker.​

WHY HE SHOULD NOT MAKE IT: Fiammetta is a role player trying to earn a spot where they may be only a marginal role in the offense, lowering his odds of making the roster from the start. Complicating his path will be fullback Spencer Larsen, who in organized team activities was part of the top kickoff return unit. A larger role on special teams will give Larsen the inside track over Fiammetta if the two players can offer similar production as runners, blockers, and pass-catchers on offense.​

CLOSEST COMPETITION: FB Spencer Larsen, FB Eric Kettani​

Aug 5, 2012:

Patriots announce Tony Fiammetta left the team

Guard Robert Gallery wasn't the only player to check out of Patriots camp on Saturday.

profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

Guard Robert Gallery wasn’t the only player to check out of Patriots camp on Saturday.​

The team also announced that fullback Tony Fiammetta has been placed on the exempt/left squad list. The Patriots didn’t explain why Fiammetta, who was absent from several practices leading up to the roster move, left the squad.​

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com reports that Fiammetta left to take care of a family issue and that he will not return to the team this year. He hopes to return to the Patriots in 2013. He was far from a lock to make the Patriots, who don’t feature a fullback all that often and also have Spencer Larsen bidding for playing time at the position, this season, so it is difficult to imagine that a year off will help his chances of making the team.​

The Patriots signed Fiammetta as a free agent in March after he spent time with the Cowboys and Panthers over the last two seasons. The Patriots also announced that they have signed veteran defensive back Derrick Martin and running back Kareem Huggins to take the roster spots vacated by Fiammetta and Gallery.​

March 18, 2013 - Mike Rodak:

Pats reinstate fullback Fiammetta

The Patriots have reinstated fullback Tony Fiammetta to the active roster from the reserve/left squad.Fiammetta, signed last offseason, was placed on the reserve/left squad last August to deal with a family issue, the team announced at the time.

www.espn.com

The Patriots signed both Fiammetta and Spencer Larsen last offseason, but Larsen missed the entire year due to an injury. He was released earlier this offseason.​

The team used Michael Hoomanawanui in an H-back role last season to account for many of its two-back sets on offense, and also has James Develin on the roster. Fiammetta is considered a physical blocker out of the backfield who can also play on special teams. He has 19 total offensive touches in his career.​

July 22, 2019:
Names you may know, names you should know | XFL Board

FB Tony Fiammetta: Fiammetta is attempting a football comeback after last having played in the NFL in 2014. Best known for his time in Carolina, Fiammetta played for four teams in six seasons, seeing action in 51 games. He only touched the ball 23 total times, so he was a block-first guy. With the expectation of wide-open offenses permeating the XFL, one wonders how many teams will even carry a fullback.​

 

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Today in Patriots History
Delles Howell​

Happy 76th birthday to Delles Howell
Born August 22, 1948; from Monroe, Louisiana
Patriot FS/CB, 1976 offseason
Acquired via trade on July 31, 1976

Delles Howell had played for the Saints and Jets for three seasons each before he was traded to the Pats for a conditional draft pick. Howell did not survive roster cuts with the Patriots, spent the following offseason with the Colts, and retired after Indy waived him on August 17, 1977.

Howell played in 71 NFL games (52 starts) with 17 interceptions from 1970 to 1975.


Pro Football Archives - Delles Howell

Where Are They Now: Delles Howell

Catch Up with the Jets Legend from Grambling

www.newyorkjets.com

Delles Howell is as Louisiana as a fleur-de-lis.​

Raised in Monroe, he went to Grambling where he started on the football team as a freshman, and was then drafted by and played for the New Orleans Saints.​

So, it would have been understandable if the veteran cornerback experienced a degree of culture shock when he was traded to the Jets with defensive end Richard Neal for two draft picks in 1973. Fortunately for Howell, however, he knew someone who had taken that trip north 10 years earlier.​

"My older brother, Lane, played with the New York Giants when Y.A. Tittle and Del Shofner and all those guys were there. I think he might have played one year with Frank Gifford," Howell said. "So, the city of New York, I kind of had gotten a glimpse of what was going on. I had been there and knew that it was a larger franchise than New Orleans was.​

"Richard Neal, he was my best friend at the time in New Orleans. I was really glad when the trade took place. And then I found out that Eddie Biles was the defensive backs coach. He had coached me when I was a rookie in New Orleans. So, I was glad about that."​

"That was my first time leaving the south, and to go to a city like New York with a coach like Coach Weeb Ewbank, it was a great honor to be in the Jets organization. That was the early '70s, so the Super Bowl (III victory) was still fresh, and Joe Namath was still there. It was an exciting time."​

In his first season with the Jets, Howell and Ralph Baker co-led the team with five interceptions each. He seemingly could not have had a much better start in front of New York's fans.​

"Well, I could have. I could have picked a better way because I think I had my hands on six or seven other interceptions that year that I should have made," Howell said. "But basically, there's an old rule that the receivers really worked on a lot, and that's catch the ball, look it in before you try to run.​

"And so, when I look back on it, I was trying to make the play, trying to get my hands on the ball because I loved to run back with the ball once I made an interception. If I could do it over again, I definitely would be looking those balls in because I dropped some sure interceptions that year."​

Following his playing days, Howell and his wife, Shelia, made their home in Monroe and raised a family. For 29 years, he was the city's director of recreation before choosing to make a career change.​

"Before I ever retired from football, we had a great church choir, and I sang for, I guess, 25 years. My wife and I had six children, so we tried to raise them up in the church the same way we were raised in the church," said Howell, who also has 19 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.​

"I've been the pastor at the New Light Baptist Church in Wisner for 12 years. Before then, from 1997 to 2008, I was the associate pastor at the New Light Baptist Church in Monroe. That was my home church. I was baptized in that church when I was eight years old.​

"When you're a pastor, you get a call from the Lord. I really had a call from the Lord when I was playing with the Jets, but I was trying to finish my career and didn't accept the call to preach right at that time. And so that calling got stronger on me, and I was 49 years old when I accepted the call. But I had already been in the choir, and I was a deacon in the church."​

 

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Today in Patriots History
Other August 22 Birthdays​

Happy 33rd birthday to Bruce Ellington
Born August 22, 1991, in Moncks Corner, SC
Patriot WR, 2019 offseason
Signed as a veteran free agent on March 15, 2019; uniform #88

March 12, 2012:

Ellington Officially Gives Up Football - ABC Columbia

South Carolna's two-sport standout Bruce Ellington is giving up football to concentrate on basketball. Ellington said Monday that basketball was his first love and he wanted to focus on that sport full time.

www.abccolumbia.com

South Carolna’s two-sport standout Bruce Ellington is giving up football to concentrate on basketball. Ellington said Monday that basketball was his first love and he wanted to focus on that sport full time. The sophomore just completed an exhausting six months where he went from football practice last summer, to the gridiron season and then from the field to the court. He joined the basketball team once the football team completed its 11-win campaign. The basketball team went 10-21, its season ending last week with a first-round loss to Alabama at the Southeastern Conference tournament. Ellington earned Freshman All-SEC honors in football, gaining 707 all-purpose yards. He was South Carolina’s second-leading scorer in basketball, averaging 11 points in 24 games​

Mar 14, 2019:
Pats sign WR Bruce Ellington | Patriots.com

The Patriots entrance into free agency hasn’t been dramatic but the team continued adding to the roster on Thursday by reportedly signing wide receiver Bruce Ellington.​

Ellington is another option in the slot at 5-9, 200 pounds but he’s battled hamstring injuries throughout his career. His best season came in Houston in 2017 when he caught 29 passes for 330 yards and a pair of touchdowns.​

Ellington joins Julian Edelman, Phillip Dorsett (reportedly), Matthew Slater, Braxton Berrios and Damoun Patterson on the wide receiver depth chart. One player who won’t be added to that list is Golden Tate, who reportedly signed with the Giants on Thursday.​

May 8, 2019:
Pats release WR Bruce Ellington | Patriots.com

Ellington, 27, originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick (106th overall) by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2014 NFL Draft out of South Carolina. The 5-foot-9, 200-pounder is a veteran of five NFL seasons with San Francisco (2014-16), Houston (2017-18) and Detroit (2018). After three seasons in San Francisco, Ellington was released in August of 2017 and acquired off waivers by the New York Jets. He was released by the Jets three days later and was signed by Houston on August 11, 2017.​

Ellington has appeared in 44 games with nine starts and totaled 79 receptions for 769 yards and five touchdowns and compiled 11 rushing attempts for 54 yards and one touchdown. He has also returned 48 punts for 372 yards and 50 kickoffs for 1,279 yards.​

Last season, Ellington began the year with the Texans and played three games with one start and posted eight receptions for 92 yards and one touchdown before being released in October. He signed with the Lions in November and appeared in four games with two starts and caught 23 passes for 132 yards, had one rushing attempt for two yards and one punt return for zero yards.​

Happy 40rd birthday to Chris Patrick
Born August 22, 1984, in Ashley, Michigan
Patriot OT, 2007 offseason
Claimed off waivers from the Giants on August 16, 2007

As an offensive lineman from Nebraska, Chris Patrick entered the NFL in 2007 when he made himself available for the Supplemental Draft. That draft is difficult on rookies, because it occurs so late in the year, placing those players well behind the pace after missing spring camps. The Giants waived Patrick a month after signing him, and the Patriots claimed him off the waiver wire. Not surprisingly he didn't last long; the Pats waived Patrick twelve days later.

After that Patrick was with the Packers, Lions, 49ers, Eagles, Chiefs and 49ers again, including stints on the practice squad with Green Bay, Philadelphia and Kansas City. Patrick was finally able to play in three NFL games with the 49ers in 2009 before his career ended with a shoulder injury landing him on IR in 2010.

Other NFL players with a New England connection born on this date:

- Tom Mitchell (1944-2017)
Born in Newport, Rhode Island
"The Crocodile" was a TE from Bucknell who may be most well known for pouring a pitcher of beer on the head of George Plimpton in the author's book Mad Ducks and Bears. He was also former Tampa Bay Bucs/Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano's father-in-law.
On the gridiron he scored 24 touchdowns over twelve seasons with the Oakland Raiders, Baltimore Colts and 49ers.

Thomas G. Mitchell (1979) - Bucknell Athletics Hall of Fame - Bucknell University Athletics

Bucknell University Athletics

bucknellbison.com

Remembering Tom Mitchell - Bucknell University Athletics

Tom Mitchell's legacy at Bucknell will stand the test of time

bucknellbison.com

- Stephen Boyd, 52 (1972)
Boston College
Two-time Pro Bowl MLB played with the Lions from 1995-2001.

Lions' Boyd to announce retirement Monday

Unable to resume his NFL career because of a back injury that sidelined him for 12 games in 2001, Detroit Lions middle linebacker Stephen Boyd will officially announce his retirement Monday, ending a seven-year career that included two appearances in the Pro Bowl game.

a.espncdn.com

- Al Russas (1923-1955)
Born and raised in Providence, RI; Hope High School, Providence
OT/DE for the 1949 Lions.

- Ralph Nichols (1899-1929)
Hartford Blues lineman, 1926

- Phil Sarboe (1911-1985)
Boston Redskins
The blocking back threw four touchdowns - and 26 interceptions! - from 1934-1936.




Some other notable pro football players born on August 22 include:

- Mel Hein (1909-1922)
Hall of Fame 60 minute C/LB was a five-time All-Pro and two-time NFL champion with the Giants from 1931 to 1945, never missing a single game.

Mel Hein | Pro Football Hall of Fame

Former Giants center Mel Hein, who had 8 straight All-NFL selections, is a member of the class of 1963.

www.profootballhof.com

- Jahri Evans, 41 (1983)
RG went to the Pro Bowl six straight years with the Saints from 2009-2014.

Jahri Evans – Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame Finalist

Jahri Evans – Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame Finalist

allstatesugarbowl.org

- Wes Chandler, 68 (1956)
8,966 yards receiving and 56 touchdowns prior to today's Polian-era rules, from 1978-1988.

Florida Sports Hall of Fame | Wes Chandler

flasportshof.org

Wes Chandler (2015) - Hall of Fame - National Football Foundation

footballfoundation.org

- Maxx Crosby, 27 (1997)
Mad Maxx has been a force for the Raiders, named to three consecutive Pro Bowls. A fourth round draft pick from Eastern Michigan, Crosby has 321 tackles and 52 sacks in his first five NFL seasons, and has led the NFL in tackles for a loss with 22 in 2022 and 23 in 2023.

Raiders DE Crosby has no other setting besides max

Maxx Crosby brings the intensity to the point where he sometimes is held out of training camp practice snaps.

www.espn.com

- Paul Maguire, 86 (1938)
Before he became known as a broadcaster, Maguire averaged 41.7 yards on 795 punts for the Bills and Chargers from 1960-1970.

https://www.buffalosportshallfame.com/paul-maguire/

- Randall Cobb, 34 (1990)
In 2014 Cobb had 91 receptions for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns with the Packers. Through 2023 Cobb has 630 receptions for 7,624 yards and 54 TD.

Former Pro Bowl WR Randall Cobb to join SEC Network as analyst, 'not officially retired' from playing football

Cobb starred for 10 years in Green Bay, and last played for the Jets

www.cbssports.com

- Adam Thielen, 34 (1990)
Still going strong with his third 1,000+ yard season for Carolina in 2023. The former Vikings WR has 637 career receptions for 7,696 yards and 60TD, with two Pro Bowl honors.

Adam Thielen return to Vikings 'would make sense' if cut by Panthers

Former Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen has been seen working out with J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota multiple times this offseason.

www.si.com

- Andra Franklin (1959-2006)
From 1981-83 the fullback scored 23 touchdowns with the Dolphins.

Former Huskers' standout Andra Franklin is dead at 47

Former Nebraska fullback Andra Franklin died Wednesday in Lincoln of natural causes. He was 47.

www.espn.com

 

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Today in Patriots History
August 22 News​

Aug 22, 2024:

Patriots Daily News Thread - Thursday Patriots News Thread 8/22

www.patsfans.com

Thursday Patriots Notebook 8/22: Injuries Causing Questions As Cutdowns Loom

As the Patriots start getting ready to close out the preseason, it looks like they still have some question marks ahead of the regular season that could factor into next week's roster cutdowns.

www.patsfans.com

List of Injuries Leading to Uncertainty as Cutdowns Loom​

As the Patriots start getting ready to close out the preseason, it looks like they still have some question marks ahead of the regular season that could factor into next week’s roster cutdowns.​

Among some of the names who feel like they may not be ready to go by week one are Kendrick Bourne, Sione Takitaki, and Marte Mapu, all of whom have been limited and haven’t participated during the team portions of practice for much of the preseason.​

Also still banged up is Calvin Anderson, who seemed set on becoming a terrific comeback story this preseason, but that hasn’t happened to this point. Anderson could still become a factor, but the challenge for the veteran is simply the fact the team is running out of time before it has to make some tough decisions and Anderson’s lack of availability this preseason will likely complicate that.​

However, the bigger concern is going to be along the offensive line, and the Patriots appeared to have suffered another setback there. During Wednesday’s session, left tackle Vederian Lowe left practice after reportedly suffering what appeared to be a back injury, with Lowe gingerly leaving the field for further evaluation.​

His loss, if he’s out for any extended amount of time, certainly leaves them thin. Rookie Caedan Wallace stepped in after Lowe’s departure, which will likely see both him and potentially Chukwuma Okorafor try and hold down that spot until he’s healthy.​

Lowe has been a player who has grown significantly this preseason, with Eliot Wolf telling reporters this week he’s been pleased with his progress.​

Aug 22, 2023:
Check tomorrow's post for more news on McCall.

Patriots claim defender off waivers from Panthers, cut WR

The Patriots claimed a defender off waivers from the Panthers and waived a wide receiver on Tuesday.

www.bostonherald.com

Patriots Claim DL Marquan McCall Off Waivers from Carolina; Release WR Tre Nixon

The Patriots announced that they have claimed and were awarded DL Marquan McCall off waivers from the Carolina Panthers. In addition, the Patriots announced they have released WR Tre Nixon.

www.patriots.com

Patriots claim Marquan McCall off waivers

When the Panthers waived defensive tackle Marquan McCall on Monday, head coach Frank Reich said that he thought McCall would catch on with another team quickly.

www.nbcsports.com

When the Panthers waived defensive tackle Marquan McCall on Monday, head coach Frank Reich said that he thought McCall would catch on with another team quickly.​

Reich was proven correct on Tuesday. Field Yates of ESPN reports that the Patriots have claimed McCall off of waivers.​

McCall made the Panthers after going undrafted last season. He had 15 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a quarterback hit while playing in 16 games. He had five tackles in two appearances this preseason.​

Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Lawrence Guy, Daniel Ekuale, Carl Davis, Jeremiah Pharms, and Justus Tavai are also in the mix for defensive tackle jobs in New England.​

The Patriots waived wide receiver Tre Nixon with an injury designation to make room for McCall.​

Aug 22, 2020:

Patriots Sign TE Paul Quessenberry and DT Xavier Williams; Release Two Players

The Patriots announced that that they have signed TE Paul Quessenberry and DT Xavier Williams. In addition, the Patriots released TE Alex Ellis and DT Darius Kilgo.

www.patriots.com

The Patriots announced that that they have signed TE Paul Quessenberry and DT Xavier Williams. In addition, the Patriots released TE Alex Ellis and DT Darius Kilgo.​

Patriots sign former Navy defensive end to play tight end

The New England Patriots signed a former Navy defensive end who hasn't played football since 2014, with the intention of playing him at tight end.

985thesportshub.com

Patriots sign player who hasn't played football in five years, Bill Belichick puts him at a new position

Paul Quessenberry is certainly an interesting signing for New England

www.cbssports.com

Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots have always marched to the beat of their own drum, and it's a strategy that has translated to success. They often take big chances with who they sign in training camp, and Belichick recently signed a player who has been out of the game for quite some time. On Saturday afternoon, the Patriots announced that they had signed Paul Quessenberry, who hasn't played college or pro football for five years.​

Quessenberry has been out of football pursuing a career as a marine. He played defensive end at Navy (his final college season was in 2014), but the Patriots are trying him out at tight end.​

Paul Quessenberry did try out with the Texans in 2015, but failed to get a roster spot. While Belichick isn't afraid to go out on a limb when it comes to searching for talent, he has even more of a reason to do so this offseason. A total of eight players on the Patriots opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns centering around the COVID-19 pandemic. This season truly is unprecedented, so New England is apparently taking unprecedented chances when it comes to building its roster.​

Aug 22, 2018:

​

Salary cap recap 08.22.18: Releasing Kenny Britt frees up over $500,000 in cap space for the Patriots

Measuring some of the moves the Patriots made in the last few days and their impact on the salary cap:

www.bostonsportsjournal.com

Pats release WR Kenny Britt, who had been sidelined by hamstring

The Patriots released Kenny Britt, who had a hamstring injury and never took part fully in training camp.

www.espn.com

The decision wasn't a major surprise, as the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Britt had not taken part in a full practice in training camp after injuring a hamstring in June's mandatory minicamp.​

Britt, who has played with the Titans (2009-13), Rams (2014-16) and Browns (2017), initially signed with the Patriots in December. He had appeared in the final three regular-season games as a reserve, with two catches for 23 yards. Britt was a healthy scratch for all three playoff games.​

In the offseason, the Patriots picked up the option on Britt's contract for 2018, and he had appeared to make some positive strides in building a rapport with quarterback Tom Brady. That manifested itself in June's mandatory minicamp, when Brady shouted words of encouragement to Britt after they connected on a long pass play.​

But Britt injured the hamstring shortly thereafter, and he said earlier this week that he had a lot of ground to make up. The gap turned out to be insurmountable.​

Patriots release wide receiver Kenny Britt

The Patriots have released wide receiver Kenny Britt, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported Wednesday afternoon. Sources: The #Patriots are releasing WR Kenny Britt. A fairly big surprise given the expectations coming into camp. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 22, 2018 Britt’s agent, Fadde...

www.boston.com

The Patriots signed Britt in December to a two-year deal and picked up the second year of his contract in March. He played in three games last season, recording just two catches for 23 yards. The 29-year-old was inactive for Super Bowl LII.​

Britt was expected to step into a larger role this season, after the departure of several receivers (e.g. Danny Amendola, Brandin Cooks, and Malcolm Mitchell), but suffered a minor hamstring injury during minicamp in June. He opened training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, and, though his time on PUP was brief, he never was a full participant during practice.​

“I definitely feel like I’m behind, because I’m not out there with the guys, getting the chemistry that I need with the quarterbacks and just with everybody on the same page with what we do,” Britt said after practice Sunday.​

The Patriots also recently parted ways with former practice squad member Cody Hollister and newcomer Jordan Matthews, depleting their already limited receiving corps. New England’s wide receiver depth chart now consists of the following players: Julian Edelman (suspended for the first four games of the regular season), Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Eric Decker, Cordarrelle Patterson, Riley McCarron, Braxton Berrios, Devin Lucien, and Matthew Slater.​

Aug 22, 2016:

Patriots release three players

The Patriots announced that they have released veteran TE Bear Pascoe, first-year S Cedric Thompson and rookie free agent DB V'Angelo Bentley.

www.patriots.com

The Patriots announced that they have released veteran TE Bear Pascoe, first-year S Cedric Thompson and rookie free agent DB V'Angelo Bentley.​

Patriots release three players

The Patriots cut tight end Bear Pascoe, cornerback V'Angelo Bentley and safety Cedric Thompson.

www.patriotledger.com

One year later, nearly half the initial 2016 Patriots 90-man roster is gone - where are they now?

Of the 90 players on the Patriots at this point in 2016, only 47 are still in New England. As for the other 43, where are they now?

www.masslive.com

Bear Pascoe


V'Angelo Bentley's Highlight​

Aug 22, 2012:

Kyle Love signs extension with Patriots

Kyle Love has signed an extension with the Patriots. The D-lineman’s agent confirmed the news via Twitter early Thursday morning. Glad we were able to get a deal done for @kylelove74 one of hardest working players in the league. A shout to our D.O the true secret weapon Sean Stellato...

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Love, an undrafted free agent, was set to make 540,000 in 2012. The new deal will pay him 3.09 million over two years and he'll be an unrestricted free agent in 2014, according to multiple reports.​

Patriots: DT Kyle Love signed to one-year contract extension

The New England Patriots signed defensive tackle Kyle Love to a one-year contract extension Wednesday evening. The deal, which carries a maximum value of $3.1 million and includes a $500,000 signing bonus, runs through 2013.

new.cbssports.com

Love, a former undrafted player out of Mississippi State, made 33 tackles and had three sacks playing mostly on first and second down last season.​

New England Patriots give Kyle Love a contract extension

Love is projected to start alongside Vince Wilfork at defensive tackle.

www.masslive.com

The New England Patriots took a step towards solidifying what they hope is a bright future for their defense by signing defensive tackle Kyle Love to a one-year contract extension.​

Widely considered an up and coming player, Love recorded 33 tackles and three sacks playing mostly on first and second down last season. The hope is that he will emerge as a three-down player this season starting alongside Vince Wilfork.​

Aug 22, 2010 - Albert Breer:

Patriots cut ties with 2010 pick (for now)

Weston is waived, but if he clears waivers, could land on Patriots' IR.

www.boston.com

A little while ago, the Patriots formalized the trade for Quinn Ojinnaka (Atlanta will get a draft pick in return) and the release of Terrence Johnson, and also announced the signing of Ross Ventrone and the waiving of Kade Weston.​

Weston was third of the Patriots’ four seventh-round choices in April.​

But there’s a catch. The Patriots actually waived/injured Weston, which means that if he clears waivers, his rights will revert to New England and he’ll go on injured reserve. This is a mechanism in the system that keeps teams from stashing young players.​

In fact, this is exactly what the Broncos did with safety Josh Barrett a couple weeks back. But the Patriots kept Barrett from getting to IR, claiming him off waivers and placing him on the 80-man roster (they can move him to IR after the final cutdown.)​

Ventrone returns after being cut eight days ago.​

Kade Weston​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Older August 22 News​

Aug 22, 2007:

2 released

Patriots release punter Tom Malone and veteran defensive end Kenny Smith.

www.boston.com

The Patriots released punter Tom Malone and veteran defensive end Kenny Smith today.​

The release of Malone means that Danny Baugher, for the time being at least, has a stronghold on the punting job.​

Defensive lineman Kenny Smith and punter Tom Malone cut by Patriots

Defensive lineman Kenny Smith and punter Tom Malone cut by Patriots

www.espn.com

Smith, who missed the last two NFL seasons after playing his first four with New Orleans, had signed as a free agent on June 8.​

With the Saints, he started 10 of the 30 games he played and had 4½ sacks after they drafted him in the third round out of Alabama. He then joined Oakland as a free agent but was placed on injured reserve and missed the 2005 season. He was out of football last year.​

Smith signed with Tampa Bay last March 7 and was released less than two months later.​

Malone's departure leaves the punting job to Danny Baugher, who spent much of last season on the Patriots practice squad. Malone​

was signed to the practice squad Dec. 20.​

Veteran punter Josh Miller was released last week.​

Aug 22, 2006:
Right tackle Nick Kaczur is activated from physically unable to perform list.

Patriots Remove OT Nick Kaczur from PUP List

The New England Patriots removed offensive tackle Nick Kaczur from the physically unable to perform list today. Kaczur participated in his first practice of the season this afternoon.​

Kaczur, 27, pronounced KA-zur (with a short "a"), was selected by the Patriots in the third round (100th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-4-inch, 315-pound offensive lineman played in 14 regular season games and one playoff game as a rookie last season. He drew the starting assignment at left tackle in 11 of the final 13 regular season games and also started in the Patriots' wild card playoff game against Jacksonville on Jan. 7, 2006. The Toledo product and Brandford, Ontario native was placed on the physically unable to perform list on July 27, 2006.​

Aug 22, 2005:

Patriots Acquire WR Andre' Davis Via Trade

The New England Patriots acquired wide receiver Andre’ Davis from the Cleveland Browns today in exchange for an undisclosed draft selection.​

Browns send Andre' Davis to Patriots

CLEVELAND — Wide receiver Andre' Davis, pushed to the bottom of Cleveland's depth chart, was traded to the New England Patriots by the Browns for an undisclosed draft pick Monday. For New England, …

www.fosters.com

Wide receiver Andre' Davis, pushed to the bottom of Cleveland's depth chart, was traded to the New England Patriots by the Browns for an undisclosed draft pick Monday.​

For New England, Davis adds a veteran presence to an already deep receiving corps. He arrived at Gillette Stadium Monday to begin practicing with the Super Bowl champions.​

Davis had been mentioned in trade talks for several months. He became expendable after the Browns drafted rookie Braylon Edwards, and Antonio Bryant and Dennis Northcutt both emerged during training camp.​

Davis also had lost his job as Cleveland's No. 1 kick returner to rookie Joshua Cribbs.​

Pats add Davis to WR pool: Make deal with Browns

www.milforddailynews.com

Strength in numbers. When it comes to the Patriots' receiving corps, at least they continue to add the numbers.​

In a move that came as a surprise on several levels, the Pats acquired receiver/returner Andre? Davis from Cleveland yesterday in exchange for a (non-conditional) fifth-round pick in 2006.​

Davis joins a crowded scene on the depth chart, both at receiver and on special teams. However, most of the team's returners (Bethel Johnson, Chad Morton, David Terrell, P.K. Sam, Tim Dwight) have had trouble staying on the field, so coach Bill Belichick made the move to bolster the ranks. He said it wasn't because he was displeased with the current corps.​

The move was good news for Davis, who was on the outs with coach Romeo Crennel in Cleveland, but it potentially could be bad news for some Patriots. Heading that list is Johnson, the 2003 second-round pick who has battled maturity issues and currently is recovering from offseason foot surgery.​

Johnson currently is on the physically unable to perform list and is eligible to sit out the first six weeks of the regular season (and maybe more) without counting against the roster. Free agent returner Chad Morton (ACL surgery) is in the same boat.​

Davis virtually has the same skill set as Johnson, only he's bigger (6-foot-1). A second-round pick out of Virginia Tech in 2002, Davis has played in 39 career games and started 19 times. He has 93 catches for 1,412 yards (15.2-yard average) and 13 touchdowns, and he has a 21.3-yard average and a touchdown on 88 kickoff returns. Last season, he tied an NFL record with a 99-yard touchdown catch, but he also missed seven games because of a toe injury.​

Davis comes at a low risk to the Pats, who had two fifth-round picks in 2006 to play with. Davis also is in the last year of his contract, with a modest $481,250 salary in 2005. Davis reportedly received permission from the Browns to seek a trade, but he downplayed those issues yesterday.​

Depth charge: Patriots acquire Browns WR Andre' Davis

The New England Patriots have added more depth to their wide recever corp, acquiring Andre' Davis from the Cleveland Browns for an undisclosed draft pick.

www.espn.com

The team that never seems quite satisfied with its roster, no matter how deep it appears to others, has struck again, as the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots on Monday morning acquired speedy wide receiver Andre' Davis from the Cleveland Browns for an undisclosed draft choice. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that pick is a fifth-round selection in the 2006 draft.​

Davis, 26, had been the subject of trade speculation for several months, with the Seattle Seahawks regarded as the team most interested in his services. The Seahawks twice tried to deal for Davis in the offseason. They attempted to have the Browns include him in the deal that brought quarterback Trent Dilfer to Cleveland, then raised the possibility of a deal again last month.​

A three-year veteran, Davis averaged 26.0 yards per catch in 2004, but appeared in only seven games because of a toe injury. Browns first-year head coach Romeo Crennel said recently that Davis was having only an average training camp and the signing of first-round wide receiver Braylon Edwards to his first contract after a lengthy holdout knocked him further down the depth chart.​

A former Virginia Tech star, Davis is the third veteran wide receiver signed by the Pats since the end of last season, joining David Terrell and Tim Dwight. When healthy, he is an explosive player, as evidenced by a career average of 15.2 yards per reception. Davis was a second-round choice in the 2002 draft.​

"He's got some size. He's a fast guy," Belichick said of Davis. "He's got some experience on special teams. We'll put him into the mix and see what he can do."​

In 39 career appearances, including 19 starts, Davis has 93 receptions for 1,412 yards and 13 touchdowns. His ratio of one touchdown every 7.2 receptions is excellent. Davis can also return kickoffs and has a 21.3-yard career average and one touchdown. He tied an NFL record for longest touchdown reception in history with a 99-yard catch against the Cincinnati Bengals last Oct. 17.​

Aug 22, 2000:

Patriots sign linebacker, waive two

New England added another former New York Jet Tuesday, signing linebacker Olrick Johnson. The team also released linebacker John Munch and wide receiver Tony Hamler, placed guard Terrance Beadles on injured reserve and put running back Robert Edwards on t

www.patriots.com

New England added another former New York Jet Tuesday, signing linebacker Olrick Johnson. The team also released linebacker John Munch and wide receiver Tony Hamler, placed guard Terrance Beadles on injured reserve and put running back Robert Edwards on the non-football injury list.​

Johnson was released Sunday by the Minnesota Vikings. The second-year player saw action in five games with Minnesota last season before being released and joining the Jets for three games. He made seven tackles in 1999, including three tackles as a reserve in New York.​

Beadles, who saw time as a backup lineman early in the preseason, suffered a shoulder injury. By putting him on injured reserve, the Patriots lose him for the year but retain the rights to him.​

Edwards has not played since his rookie season in 1998. He suffered a severe injury while playing in a rookie beach flag-football game during the 1998 Pro Bowl weekend, but he still hopes to return.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
20th Century August 22 News​

Aug 22, 1959:
Eight days after announcing the formation of a new football league, the six original owners signed Articles of Organization at a meeting in Dallas. The group announced the name of the new venture would be the American Football league.

​

History of the American Football League - 1959

In 1958, Texas oilman H. L. Hunt's son and heir, Lamar Hunt, wanted to bring professional football to Texas. He was rebuffed in his efforts to establish an NFL franchise there, and in 1959, decided to form a new professional football league, which he called the American Football League. In Chicago's Conrad Hilton Hotel, on August 14th, 1959, the franchises that initially joined Hunt's Dallas Texans were: K.S. (Bud) Adams' Houston Oilers, Harry Wismer's New York Titans, Bob Howsam's Denver Broncos, Barron Hilton's Los Angeles Chargers, and Max Winter and Bill Boyer's Minnesota franchise. By November they had been joined by Ralph Wilson's Buffalo Bills and William H. (Billy) Sullivan's Boston Patriots. In one of the first acts of treachery by the NFL against the new league, Winter was lured away from the so-called "Foolish Club" and promised a franchise in the established league. The eighth AFL franchise, replacing Minnesota, later became the Oakland Raiders, owned by a group including Chet Soda, Wayne Valley, E. J. McGah and Ed McGah Jr.​

Thus, Hunt's vision brought a new professional football league not only to California and New York, but to parts of the nation that did not have the game: New England, Colorado and Texas. It would later be brought to Missouri and Florida. The AFL also adopted the first-ever cooperative television plan for professional football, in which the league office negotiated an ABC-TV contract, the proceeds of which were divided equally among member clubs.​

On November 30th, Joe Foss, a WWII Marine flying ace and former governor of South Dakota, was named American Football League Commissioner. Foss commissioned a friend of Harry Wismer's to develop the AFL's classic eagle-on-football logo.​

1959 | Pro Football Hall of Fame

www.profootballhof.com

Lamar Hunt of Dallas announced his intentions to form a second pro football league. The first meeting was held in Chicago, August 14, and consisted of Hunt representing Dallas; Bob Howsam, Denver; K.S. (Bud) Adams, Houston; Barron Hilton, Los Angeles; Max Winter and Bill Boyer, Minneapolis; and Harry Wismer, New York City. They made plans to begin play in 1960.​

The new league was named the American Football League, August 22. Buffalo, owned by Ralph Wilson, became the seventh franchise, October 28. Boston, owned by William H. Sullivan, became the eighth team, November 22. The first AFL draft, lasting 33 rounds, was held, November 22. Joe Foss was named AFL Commissioner, November 30. An additional draft of 20 rounds was held by the AFL, December 2.​

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
Tony Fiammetta​

Happy 38th birthday to Tony Fiammetta
Born August 22, 1986 in Kaneohe, Hawaii
Patriot FB, 2012; uniform #48
Signed as a veteran free agent on March 28, 2012

April 5, 2012:

Former Syracuse University fullback Tony Fiammetta signs with New England Patriots

Margaret Bowles / APFormer SU fullback Tony Fiammetta spent last season with the Dallas Cowboys. Former Syracuse University fullback Tony Fiammetta has signed a contract to play for the New England Patriots. Terms were not disclosed. Fiammetta, 25, spent his...

www.syracuse.com

Tony Fiammetta was drafted in the fourth round of the 2009 draft by the Panthers out of Syracuse. He battled concussions in Carolina, which led to his release in September.​

Fiammetta played well for the Cowboys last season before a mysterious ailment — later revealed as an inner-ear infection that causes balance issues — caused him to miss three games. Fiammetta wasn’t quite the same player when he returned, but the Cowboys’ running backs enjoyed much more success when he was on the field compared to when he was off it.​

July 7, 2012 - Mike Rodak:

Bubble Watch: Tony Fiammetta

(Continuing a month-long series analyzing players who are on the roster bubble and where they may potentially fit in 2012.)NAME: Tony FiammettaPOSITION: FullbackAGE: 252011 STATS: 10 games (6 starts), 4 rushes (4 yards), 3 catches (39 yards) -- with CowboysINJURY STATUS: No known injuriesCHANCE...

www.espn.com

CHANCE OF MAKING 53-MAN ROSTER: 25%​

WHY HE SHOULD MAKE IT:Known as a strong blocking fullback, Fiammetta will have to earn a role in New England by doing more than just that. An equally important battle in training camp for the former Cowboys lead blocker will be to earn a role on special teams units. The Patriots could use a fullback more than they have in the past in 2012, but most likely not enough to justify a roster spot for a player who is only an adept blocker.​

WHY HE SHOULD NOT MAKE IT: Fiammetta is a role player trying to earn a spot where they may be only a marginal role in the offense, lowering his odds of making the roster from the start. Complicating his path will be fullback Spencer Larsen, who in organized team activities was part of the top kickoff return unit. A larger role on special teams will give Larsen the inside track over Fiammetta if the two players can offer similar production as runners, blockers, and pass-catchers on offense.​

CLOSEST COMPETITION: FB Spencer Larsen, FB Eric Kettani​

Aug 5, 2012:

Patriots announce Tony Fiammetta left the team

Guard Robert Gallery wasn't the only player to check out of Patriots camp on Saturday.

profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

Guard Robert Gallery wasn’t the only player to check out of Patriots camp on Saturday.​

The team also announced that fullback Tony Fiammetta has been placed on the exempt/left squad list. The Patriots didn’t explain why Fiammetta, who was absent from several practices leading up to the roster move, left the squad.​

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com reports that Fiammetta left to take care of a family issue and that he will not return to the team this year. He hopes to return to the Patriots in 2013. He was far from a lock to make the Patriots, who don’t feature a fullback all that often and also have Spencer Larsen bidding for playing time at the position, this season, so it is difficult to imagine that a year off will help his chances of making the team.​

The Patriots signed Fiammetta as a free agent in March after he spent time with the Cowboys and Panthers over the last two seasons. The Patriots also announced that they have signed veteran defensive back Derrick Martin and running back Kareem Huggins to take the roster spots vacated by Fiammetta and Gallery.​

March 18, 2013 - Mike Rodak:

Pats reinstate fullback Fiammetta

The Patriots have reinstated fullback Tony Fiammetta to the active roster from the reserve/left squad.Fiammetta, signed last offseason, was placed on the reserve/left squad last August to deal with a family issue, the team announced at the time.

www.espn.com

The Patriots signed both Fiammetta and Spencer Larsen last offseason, but Larsen missed the entire year due to an injury. He was released earlier this offseason.​

The team used Michael Hoomanawanui in an H-back role last season to account for many of its two-back sets on offense, and also has James Develin on the roster. Fiammetta is considered a physical blocker out of the backfield who can also play on special teams. He has 19 total offensive touches in his career.​

July 22, 2019:
Names you may know, names you should know | XFL Board

FB Tony Fiammetta: Fiammetta is attempting a football comeback after last having played in the NFL in 2014. Best known for his time in Carolina, Fiammetta played for four teams in six seasons, seeing action in 51 games. He only touched the ball 23 total times, so he was a block-first guy. With the expectation of wide-open offenses permeating the XFL, one wonders how many teams will even carry a fullback.​

I have Tony Fiammetta listed as #42... This is just a practice jersey number... I do know he never played in a game for the Pats, preseason or regular season, so I am not sure the jersey number matters all that much...

 

[jmt57]

I have Tony Fiammetta listed as #42... This is just a practice jersey number... I do know he never played in a game for the Pats, preseason or regular season, so I am not sure the jersey number matters all that much...

Thanks for pointing that out, I will make that fix.

Everything I am finding is #42 as well. Not sure how I came up with #48.