The New England Patriots announced Wednesday night that they have signed linebacker Michael Jordan to a future contract.
No, it wasn’t Michael Jordan that immediately came to mind.
Esther Michael Jordan is a 25-year-old offensive lineman who has played in 55 games since joining the NFL in 2019.
Jordan, a fourth-round pick of the Bengals, hit the market after the Packers cut him from the practice squad before Green Bay lost to the 49ers in the NFC divisional playoffs.
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound linebacker has made 29 starts at left guard in his career but has spent the entire 2023 season on the Packers’ practice squad.
With Jordan signed to a future contract, New England will be able to keep him with the depth the team needs moving forward, especially off the 53-man roster.
New England already has some depth at linebacker in Cole Strange, Sidi So, Atonio Maffei and James Ferentz — though the 34-year-old Ferentz will be out this offseason. Become a free agent during the season.
New England’s latest signing might not be able to turn the tide if the Patriots face Monster or Utah. But it’s a forward-thinking roster change for an O-line that’s currently in a state of flux.
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