Patriots Sign A Sensational Star QB From Jaguars To Help Strengthen The Squad
The New England Patriots signed former Pitt Panthers defensive end John Morgan as a UDFA.
PITTSBURGH — Former Pitt Panthers defensive end John Morgan III looks to play football at the next level, as the New England Patriots signed him as a undrafted free agent (UDFA).
Morgan spent five seasons with the Panthers from 2018-22, playing in 53 games with eight starts. He made 73 tackles (45 solo), 23 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, two passes defended and three forced fumbles.
He only played in three games his first season, keeping his redshirt intact, then played in all 28 games the next three seasons, serving as a reserve defensive end and then starting three games in 2021.
His redshirt junior season in 2021 was his best season statistically, playing in all 14 games, making 26 tackles (17 solo), 6.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, one pass defended and one forced fumble. Pitt won the ACC Championship that season and his forced fumble came in the Peach Bowl against Michigan State, which linebacker Cam Bright ran in for a touchdown.
Morgan played all 12 regular season games, including five starts, in 2022, as he accrued 19 tackles (11 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, eighth best in the ACC.
He then transferred to Arkansas in 2023 for his sixth and final collegiate season. He played in 11 games, making 15 tackles (eight solo), 4.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, one pass defended and one forced fumble.
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Not content with selecting Drake Maye third overall, the New England Patriots doubled down at quarterback by taking Joe Milton III in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft, a decision that could have trade implications for veteran passer Bailey Zappe.
That’s according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He believes “With five QBs on the roster, it’s a crowded room for one of last year’s starters Bailey Zappe. Safe to say, he’s likely available in a trade if it makes sense.”
Zappe is the most likely member of the trio of incumbent signal-callers to be dealt. He’s a holdover from the Bill Belichick era, a player who’s on-again, off-again competition with former starter Mac Jones summed up the decline of the Patriots in 2023.
It’s a new era now with head coach Jerod Mayo and Director of Scouting Eliot Wolf leading the charge. Their rebuild will hinge on Maye’s success, but players like free-agent acquisition Jacoby Brissett and ex-Tennessee star Milton will provide insurance as key names on the depth chart.
