Andrew Buller-Russ
On Monday, the New England Patriots brought a resolution to the NFL’s worst-kept secret, trading for A.J. Brown. The deal capped off months of rumors pointing to a trade involving the Philadelphia Eagles and Patriots.
Yet, at the same time the Patriots were adding a Pro Bowl receiver, they also lost one of their free agent signees to a season-ending knee injury.
According to Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, tight end Julian Hill suffered a “devastating, awful” season-ending knee injury during the voluntary portion of New England’s organized team activities (OTAs).
“Julian won’t be able to play this season, plain and simple. Devastating. Awful. I really enjoyed the person and want to have him around here as much as we possibly can,” Vrabel said. “He won’t be able to play this season. That’s just disappointing because of the impact he made in a short amount of time with his teammates, the person that he is, the way he practiced. We want Julian to be a part of us as much as possible, but he’s not going to do that on the field this year.”
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel on Julian Hill’s injury
The Patriots signed Hill to a three-year, $15 million contract in free agency this past offseason. He was expected to be featured as a blocker in New England’s offense, making an impact as a pass-catcher when given the rare opportunity.
The Patriots still have starter Hunter Henry and third-round rookie Eli Raridon atop their depth chart, but now the rest of the crew will have to fight for the remaining spot(s) on the depth chart in Hill’s absence.
Hill, 25, has yet to top 140 yards in a single season. He also has not scored a touchdown, and unfortunately that won’t be changing this season as he recovers from his knee injury.
Related: A.J. Brown Traded to New England Patriots: Biggest Winners and Losers
