Bears trade linebacker Jon Bostic to Patriots
By Doug Kyed.
The New England Patriots reportedly upgraded their linebacker depth with a midseason trade for the second consecutive year.
The Patriots acquired linebacker Jon Bostic from the Chicago Bears in a trade, league sources ESPN’s Field Yates and Jeff Dickerson on Monday. The Patriots sent a sixth-round draft pick to the Bears for the third-year pro, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday. Bostic was drafted by the Bears with the No. 50 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Bostic has started 17 career games, though he has yet to suit up in 2015, as he was passed on the depth chart by Shea McClellin and Christian Jones. Bostic, a Florida product, has 141 career tackles with two sacks and an interception. The 6-foot-1, 245-pound defender likely will serve as depth behind starters Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower and Jerod Mayo. The Patriots also have special-teams ace Jonathan Freeny on their roster at linebacker.
The Patriots acquired veteran linebackers Jonathan Casillas and Akeem Ayers in trades last season. Both players were role players on the Patriots’ Super Bowl XLIX-winning squad. The Patriots already acquired veteran wide receiver Keshawn Martin in a trade this year. Martin caught three passes for 33 yards and a touchdown Sunday.
More from NESN.com:
