The 2014 NFL trade deadline came and went today with many teams across the league opting to stick rather than twist.
The majority of NFL franchises decided against entering into any deals on deadline day but as is often the case in this league, the New England Patriots proved the exception.
Bill Belichick and co completed a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that sees them add a Super Bowl winner at a position that is in need of depth following recent injury trouble.
Super Bowl credentials
Linebacker Jonathan Casillas has been acquired by the Patriots, with the player's agent, Blake Baratz, confirming the deal Tuesday afternoon.
Casillas, who is also effective on special teams, was in his second year in Tampa after initially entering the league with the New Orleans Saints. He played a crucial part in helping the Louisiana franchise to Super Bowl glory in 2010, recovering the onside kick that surprised the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter and helped shift the momentum of the game in the Saints' favor.
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More recently though the 6 ft 1, 227-pound Casillas has appeared in 17 games for the Bucs, including three starts this season, and has registered 28 total tackles in that time.
According to Adam Schefter the Patriots traded their fifth round pick of the 2015 draft for the linebacker while also receiving Tampa Bay's sixth round pick in return.
Adding cover
In adding Casillas the Patriots have moved to further bolster a position that took a hit when key man Jerod Mayo was ruled out for the season with a torn patellar tendon.
Having already traded for fellow linebacker Akeem Ayers from the Tennessee Titans, New England have now added reliable assistance to undrafted rookie Deontae Skinner who has been holding the fort in recent weeks.
With the Patriots having hit form in recent weeks, winning four on the bounce to recover from a 2-2 start to the season, the franchise's fans will be happy to see those in charge adding a competent, if not spectacular, new addition that could prove shrewd as the campaign moves forward.
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