Rufus Johnson:

Here’s a look at this morning’s top Patriots stories for Thursday September 8, 2016.

Bill Belichick and the Pats, however, swung a deal for the Cleveland Browns former #6 overall pick Barkevious Mingo. He upgrades the depth on the edge.

Rob Ninkovich can be excused if he’s feeling a little testy. It’s the first time he’s been injured as a member of the team.

2nd-year player Geneo Grissom is looking to be as versatile as possible to not only stick on the 53-man roster but to find as many reps on the field.

With the two team scrimmages last week, followed by some strong work against the Saints in joint practices, Flowers is kicking his game into high gear.

The Patriots have two of the best LBs in the business with Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower. But each missed time in 2015 and the depth was a problem.

Defensive End Had Rookie Season Derailed by Injuries The Patriots are quite deep at the defensive end position heading into 2016. With Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard penciled in as […]

like many of Bill Belichick’s moves, it was a bargain for the team. Now Sheard joins the ranks of those players deserving of a new deal.

The latest rumor surrounding the Patriots has to do with free agent Arizona Cardinal defensive end Dwight Freeney. The 36-year old edge rusher is still looking for a home in 2016

“He’s passionate about football and winning, He’s an excellent fit for the Patriots, and the Patriots are an excellent fit for him.”

Carl Nassib from Penn State led the country in sacks with 15.5 in 2015 and also had 19.5 tackles for loss (TFL) and six forced fumbles.

Cravens can be expected to play the WILL linebacker position. He’d also be an outstanding candidate to play the “Big Nickel” position for the Patriots.

Adding Long was a master stroke by Bill Belichick as within hours he was able to swing a trade for DE Chandler Jones to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2nd round draft pick as well as G Jonathan Cooper and then add Long to replace Jones on the roster.

New England Patriots make multiple roster moves on Wednesday.

The Patriots released 10 players on Friday with LB James Morris being the only true surprise. The team also signed CB Justin Coleman who was waived by Minn.