The [New England Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) have had an A+ free agency so far by picking up an edge rusher, a wide receiver No. 1, and a starting offensive guard. Their last immediate need was an off-ball linebacker.
They filled this hole on Wednesday afternoon by [signing young veteran linebacker](https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2031761512226754886?s=20) K.J. Britt.
I know, “young veteran” sounds like an oxymoron. But Britt is entering his sixth season in the NFL, easily clearing the league’s “veteran” threshold. Despite that, the 2021 fifth-round draft pick is just 26 years old.
He entered the league as a predominantly special-teams contributor.
By year three, he was playing meaningful snaps for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His best season to date came in his contract year with the Buccs, when he made 72 tackles in 14 games.
This earned him a one-year, $1.3 million deal with the Miami Dolphins last season.
He struggled to stay healthy, playing a total of just 149 snaps on the year.
Britt earned a 58.7 total Pro Football Focus grade, but once again excelled in the run game, earning a 79.2 PFF grade.
Coverage is not his strong suit, but Britt will serve as a solid plug-and-play run defender in the middle of the Patriots' defense.
His deal is likely a near-minimum contract similar to the one he received from Miami last offseason.
New England should still look to address the need in next month's NFL Draft.