The Patriots plan to work out free agent defensive tackle Ego Ferguson, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com. Like fellow free agent Taylor Mays, Ferguson will participate in New England’s upcoming rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.
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Ferguson, 25, appeared in all 16 games during his rookie campaign with the Bears in 2014, but injuries have limited him to just four contests since that season. Chicago reportedly shopped the former second-round pick last fall, but didn’t find any takers. After spending the entire 2016 season on injured reserve, Ferguson was waived in early April and claimed by the division-rival Packers. Ferguson failed his physical with Green Bay, though, and once again hit the free agent market. He’s since auditioned for the Raiders.
The Patriots have consistently added to their defensive line throughout the offseason by adding veterans such as Kony Ealy and Lawrence Guy and draft picks like Derek Rivers and Deatrich Wise, so it’s tough to see how Ferguson could hypothetically fit on New England’s roster. Alan Branch — who re-signed on a two-year deal in March — and Malcolm Brown are the projected starters at defensive tackle, while 2016 third-rounder Vincent Valentine is also available on the inside.