The New England Patriots brought in edge rushers Benton Whitley and Quinton Bell for a free-agent workout on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. They later signed Whitley to their practice squad as the team continues to examine options for added depth along its defensive line.
Whitley has played two seasons in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings (2023) and New York Giants (2023-24). He has recorded one pass deflection and one fumble recovery in his career across six games played. He adds veteran experience to the Patriots’ practice squad with the season kicking into gear.
Bell, 30, entered the league after playing at Prairie View A&M and has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020), Atlanta Falcons (2022), and Miami Dolphins (2024-25).
His experience as an edge rusher gives the Patriots another veteran option to consider adding to their ranks.
New England has gotten strong play from new edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones to begin the season, and rookie Gabe Jacas has also shown promise. The Patriots are currently without starting edge rusher Harold Landry, who is on the reserve/PUP list.
The team’s decision to add Whitley to its ranks and evaluate Bell comes after they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-3 in Week 2 to improve to 1-1 on the season behind a strong defensive effort.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots hosted two veteran free agent linebackers for workout
