NFL Rumors: Patriots DT Danny Shelton visiting Bengals

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The New England Patriots are doing what they typically do in free agency. They are targeting value deal players while letting some of their own free agents walk. And this year, their defensive line has lost a lot of players so far.

Trey Flowers was the most notable departure but losing Malcom Brown to the Saints in free agency while releasing Adrian Clayborn has changed their defensive line rotation a bit. And now, it appears that the team may be facing competition for another one of their defensive tackles.

According to ESPN's Field Yates, Danny Shelton is visiting the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency.

Shelton was acquired from the Cleveland Browns last offseason in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. He had 21 tackles for the Patriots in 13 regular season games and played 31 percent of the team's defensive snaps.

If Shelton does leave the Patriots, it's possible that the team could already have Shelton's replacement on the roster. They signed Mike Pennel away from the Jets in free agency, and he profiles as a similar player to Shelton. He totaled 27 tackles in 16 games (seven starts) last year.

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