The Patriots are reportedly shopping Malcolm Mitchell — and other roster moves
Mitchell's status is in flux, according to several reports.
The Patriots are shopping 25-year-old wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The #Patriots have been seeking a potential trade partner for WR Malcolm Mitchell, per sources. Flashed talent with 32 catches in 2016 but injuries have been frustrating. May be odd man out in New England, even with Julian Edelman’s suspension.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 23, 2018
Mitchell is looking to bounce back after missing the entirety of the 2017 season due to a knee injury. His health ahead of the 2018 season is still uncertain, as he did not participate in OTAs or mandatory minicamp. The Providence Journal‘s Mark Daniels reported Monday that Mitchell underwent a procedure on his knee and is not expected to be on the field to start training camp.
The team is “expected to make a determination on Mitchell’s future in next 24-48 hours,” according to the Boston Herald‘s Kevin Duffy.
Mitchell recorded 32 receptions for 401 yards and four touchdowns in 2016.
While New England will be without veteran receiver Julian Edelman, several players (in addition to Mitchell) will be looking to break through on the roster. Some of the notable names on the depth chart are Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Jordan Matthews, Kenny Britt, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Braxton Berrios.
A handful of other personnel moves were announced or reported Monday:
- Pelissero also reported Monday that the Patriots signed wide receiver Devin Lucien. Lucien was drafted by New England in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft, but had stints on several practice squads (Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) in 2017. The team later confirmed the signing.
- The Patriots announced they have released defensive back David Jones. Jones remained on New England’s practice squad for the entirety of the 2017 season.
- Safety Eddie Pleasant is reportedly signing with the Patriots. The 29-year-old played six seasons with the Houston Texans and has 79 career solo tackles.
- Wide receiver Kenny Britt will begin training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, according to ESPN’s Field Yates. Britt pulled up with a minor hamstring injury during minicamp in June. He is not expected to stay on the PUP list for very long, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.
- ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported other players who will open training camp on the PUP list are safety Nate Ebner, cornerback Cyrus Jones, and cornerback Jonathan Jones. Cyrus Jones, who suffered a torn ACL and partially torn meniscus during New England’s preseason finale last year, could be cleared as early as this week, according to Howe. Ebner is also recovering from a torn ACL.
- Yates also reported running back Brandon Bolden will begin training camp on the non-football illness list.
- Reiss also reported wide receiver Cody Hollister will begin training camp on the non-football injury list.
All players on the PUP list are eligible to be activated at any time.
