The New England Patriots plan to sign former Denver Broncos offensive tackle Jared Veldheer this week, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He visited the Patriots last week.
Veldheer (6-8, 321) was acquired by Denver last March when the team traded a sixth-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for the tackle. He started in 12 games at right tackle in 2018 before suffering a knee injury.
In his 12 appearances for the Broncos, Veldheer was penalized seven times but only allowed one sack, according to STATS. Denver paid him a base salary of $6.5 million and a roster bonus of $375,000.
Veldheer’s one-year deal with New England is expected to be worth up to $6.5 million, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Veldheer, who will turn 32 years old in June, will provide “key depth” on the offensive line for the Patriots, according to Rapoport. The Broncos opted not to re-sign him during free agency, choosing instead to give a four-year, $51 million contract to right tackle Ja’Wuan James, who is five years younger than Veldheer.
