Patriots add depth at linebacker and receiver

It was a busy day for the Patriots on Tuesday as they signed linebackers Kobe Jones and Christian McCaroll and they claimed wide receiver Matt Landers from the Browns.

Jones, 26, has spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers after originally joining Atlanta as a rookie free agent out of Mississippi State in 2021. The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder, played in six games for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League this past season. 

McCarroll, 25, played college football at Division II Grand Valley State. The 6-foot-2, 253-pounder, played in 47 games during his career, finishing with 151 total tackles, 15 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries and 2 forced fumbles. McCarroll was a consensus All-American and the conference defensive lineman of the year in 2023 after finishing with 67 total tackles and 8 sacks.

Landers, 25, originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Seattle Seahawks out of Arkansas in 2023. The 6-foot-4, 200-pounder, spent his rookie season on the practice squad for Seattle and the Carolina Panthers. He also spent time with the Arlington Renegades and San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL in 2024 before being signed by the Cleveland Browns in May. 

The Patriots also placed wide receiver JaQuae Jackson on injured reserve. Jackson got hurt at practice last week.