SMITHFIELD, R.I. — The Patriots today signed two defensive players off of the free agent wire. LB Bryan Cox, who had been rumored to be coming to New England virtually all offseason, agreed to a contract today. The Pats also agreed to terms with NT Geradie Mercer.
Cox, 33, is a solid veteran with a reputation for a very short temper. Cox will immediately add needed linebacker depth to the team. His advanced age is a question mark, but he has had several solid years with Miami, Chicago and the New York Jets, who cut him this year as a salary cap casualty.
Cox is now reunited with his former defensive coordinator in the Meadowlands, Bill Belichick.
The Patriots also signed Mercer, a free agent from Philadelphia. He was originally property of the Carolina Panthers. Mercer will be vying for the nose tackle position vacated by the departure of Chad Eaton to Seattle via free agency.
Support Us: Help Us Compete Against The Corporate Media Giants
We need your help. If you enjoy our content, please help us beat Google's Corporate algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.
Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"
Add as a preferred source on Google News
Covering Boston Sports since 1997. Native of Worcester, Mass. Attended UMass and Univ of Michigan. Lives in California. Just recently retired after 40 years of public school teaching. Podcasts on YouTube at @thepic4139
More Patriots News Headlines:
TRANSCRIPT: Drake Maye Press Conference 8/5
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript what New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had to say during his press conference on August 5, 2026.
MORSE: Notes From Patriots Training Camp – Day 9
By: Mark MorsePatriots Training Camp Day 9 highlights: Drake Maye's strong finish, big plays from Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte, plus Dre'Mont Jones' two sacks.
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 8/4
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say during his press conference on Tuesday, August 4, 2027.
MORSE: Notes From Patriots Training Camp – Day 8
By: Mark MorsePatriots Training Camp Day 8: Boutte and Hollins impressed, Maye and DeVito's passing analyzed. Eliot Wolf's Ja'lynn Polk trade faced scrutiny.
Former Patriots Receiver Ja’Lynn Polk Retiring
By: Ian LogueRetiring from the NFL, former Patriots receiver Ja'Lynn Polk is stepping away at 24. The 2024 second-round pick was traded to New Orleans.
