The Patriots are getting a head start on free agency.
According to multiple reports, the Patriots have traded for Browns defensive tackle Danny Shelton. ESPN's Adam Schefter says the Patriots get Shelton and a 2018 draft pick in exchange for a 2019 mid-round pick. Apparently the Patriots have had Shelton on their radar dating back to last season, as they discussed a trade around the deadline.
Now it makes sense as to why the Patriots are moving on from Alan Branch and Ricky Jean Francois, as they have gotten younger at the defensive tackle position. It will have a depth chart of Malcom Brown, Shelton, Lawrence Guy, Vincent Valentine and Adam Butler. It would seem this position is in decent shape and doesn't need to be looked at in free agency.
Shelton was the 12th overall pick of the 2015 draft by the Browns. The 24-year-old played in 14 games last season and finished with 33 tackles. His best season was in 2016 when he played in all 16 games and recorded 59 tackles. At 6-foot-2, 335 pounds, his strength is stopping the run.
The Washington product has a cap hit of just over $2 million this season and the Patriots will need to decide in May whether or not to pick up his fifth-year option for 2019.
