The Patriots offensive line was in shambles to start the season, and they can use any help they can get.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, New England worked out former Carolina Panthers offensive tackle J.D. DiRenzo. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound offensive lineman was waived last offseason with an injury designation and worked out with the Pittsburgh Steelers last week.
Carolina signed DiRenzo as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL Draft. The 26-year-old played on the left and right side at Sacred Heart and Rutgers. He was named All-Northeast Conference in 2019, and he earned offensive MVP at Rutgers in 2022.
DiRenzo was not invited to the combine, but at Rutgers’ pro day, he ran a 5.25 40-yard dash and a 7.25 3-cone, which would have led the NFL Scouting Combine among offensive linemen, per The Knight Report.
The Patriots rolled out Vederian Lowe and Demontry Jacobs at tackle last Sunday after rookie Caedan Wallace was placed on injured reserve. Neither offensive lineman played well as head coach Jerod Mayo and his staff continue to find the best combination up front to protect their quarterback.