The Patriots opened a roster spot by waiving defensive tackle Anthony Johnson, but it doesn’t appear they’ll be using it for a quarterback to provide insurance with Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett banged up.
Field Yates of ESPN reports that the team will be signing defensive tackle John Hughes. Hughes was dropped by the Browns last week and he’ll reunite with former Cleveland teammates Jabaal Sheard and Barkevious Mingo in New England.
Hughes was a third-round pick by the Browns in 2012, but was never a consistent starter during his time in Cleveland. He made 10 starts in 53 appearances during his time with the team and will be moving into a reserve role for the Patriots as well.
Assuming he sticks around beyond this week, of course. Tom Brady and Rob Ninkovich are wrapping up four-game suspensions and space will need to be made for them. As the last one in, Hughes could be the next one out so he may learn that life moves pretty fast at the bottom of the Patriots roster.