Patriots acquire Kony Ealy in trade with Panthers
Grant Halverson / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Bill Belichick is at it again.
The New England Patriots have acquired Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy and a third-round pick in exchange for a second-round selection, the teams announced Friday.
New England's latest deal, which comes just days after landing tight end Dwayne Allen from the Indianapolis Colts, brings in a promising, young pass-rusher by moving back only eight draft spots - from No. 64 to No. 72 overall.
Ealy tallied 14 sacks across three seasons after joining the Panthers as a second-round pick in 2014.
The 25-year-old could prove to be a key addition for New England's edge-rush rotation, with Chris Long departing in free agency and Jabaal Sheard landing with the Indianapolis Colts.