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The Patriots are at it again. On Monday, the club announced that they’ve signed defensive end John Hughes, who had been surprinsingly let go by the Browns the previous week. Hughes marks the third former defensive castoff that has landed in New England, with the other two being Jabaal Sheard and Barkevious Mingo. Mingo is still trying to carve out a role in New England, but Sheard has been a key and sometimes dominant starter for them.
One has to wonder if Michael Lombardi played a role in Hughes getting to New England. Although Lombardi has returned to media, he tweeted that five teams were interested in Hughes after the Browns cut him and that he’d fit the Patriots well:
In 15, Browns signed Hughes' to a four-year, $14.4 million deal and cut him this year, 5 teams interested. Fits the Pats front well.
— michael lombardi (@mlombardifoxtv) September 26, 2016
Upon signing with the Patriots, Hughes released the following statement:
“As I begin the next chapter of my career, I wanted to thank the fans of the Cleveland Browns as well as the Browns organization. From my draft experience, to meeting new friends out in the community, to starting my family, I have had many great experiences in Cleveland. Cleveland always in my heart but on to helping the Patriots win their next Super Bowl!"
Hughes, along with Sheard and Mingo, will return to Cleveland when the Patriots take on the Browns in Week 5.