The New England Patriots got a trade in under the NFL's deadline with the acquisition of linebacker Jonathan Casillas from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Buccaneers trade LB Jonathan Casillas to Patriots
The Patriots made their second trade for linebacker help in recent weeks after also obtaining Akeem Ayers from the Titans.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Comp: New England traded its 5th-round pick to Tampa Bay for LB Jonathan Casillas and Bucs' 6th-round pick, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2014 Casillas gives the Patriots some more flexibility on the depth chart and special teams after suffering some key injuries in recent weeks. New England also traded for linebacker Akeem Ayers from the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 21. Both moves were necessary given the loss of star linebacker Jerod Mayo for the season and pass rusher Chandler Jones for at least six weeks.
Casillas, 27, has only 15 starts in 55 games in his five year NFL career, but he's a solid special teams performer with postseason experience after three seasons with the New Orleans Saints. Casillas has been with the Bucs since 2013.
NFL Trade Deadline
The Buccaneers were the most active team at the trade deadline, also sending safety Mark Barron to the St. Louis Rams in a separate deal. Interestingly, the Bucs did not trade the players most rumored to be dealt, including running back Doug Martin and wide receiver Vincent Jackson.
See More:
