The New England Patriots are re-signing defensive end Deatrich Wise, according to multiple reports.
Wise is one of many Patriots who are returning in free agency, with quarterback Cam Newton and Justin Bethel bypassing free agency to stay with New England.
Bill Belichick had been extremely active prior to retaining Wise — the Patriots agreed to terms with pending free agents tight end Jonnu Smith, edge Matthew Judon, defensive back Jalen Mills and Davon Godchaux. Those four deals can become official when the 2021 league year opens on March 17.
The Patriots drafted Wise in the fourth round in 2017. He has 131 career tackles with 14 sacks, one forced fumble and four run stuffs. In 2020 as a situational pass-rusher, Wise logged a career-high 49 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.
DL Deatrich Wise has agreed to return to the Patriots, per a source
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 15, 2021
Wise will return to a defensive line that looks sparse with Lawrence Guy, Adam Butler, John Simon and other set to enter free agency.
