Kyle

Love

Love, 34, played ten seasons in the NFL, last suiting up in 2019 for Carolina. He was an entrenched starter for the Patriots in 2011 and 2012, recording 4.5 sacks and 58 tackles over that span. Love in September 2020 was released by the Bucs, for whom he never logged a snap.

The move creates an empty roster spot for Leonard Fournette to fill. Rookie Khalil Davis, Pat O’Connor and Jeremiah Ledbetter will continue competing for the last spot or two on Tampa Bay’s roster ahead of Saturday’s final cuts.

Love has played a rotational role along Carolina’s defensive line since 2014. That should be his job again this season.

Love will make $540,000 in 2012. A former undrafted free agent, Love had a breakout 2011 season after appearing in just nine games in 2010, making 33 tackles and three sacks while proving to be an adept run stuffer. Still just 25, the Pats could eventually move to lock Love up with a long-term deal.

Their other picks were Geno Atkins and Isaac Sopoaga. Love, a 2010 undrafted free agent from Mississippi State, showed the ability to “hold two gaps” as a second-year starter, and showed up on tape as a “dirt dog,” blue-collar player with disciplined performance to make the Patriots’ defensive line a strength.

Love had been signed through 2012, owed $540,000 before his restricted free agency year in 2013. So the Pats essentially “bought out” the RFA season and he’ll be eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2014. A fire hydrant at 6-foot-1, 310, Love opened the preseason at left defensive end in a 3-4 package. Love can also play the nose in tandem with fellow inside plugger Vince Wilfork.

An exclusive rights free agent, Love’s 2012 scheduled salary is $540,000. After a terrific season as a run stopper next to Vince Wilfork, the Patriots are willing to essentially buy out Love’s 2013 restricted free agent year and give him a signing bonus on a multi-year contract. They’ve done similar things with CB Kyle Arrington and LB Gary Guyton in recent seasons.

Like Jay Cutler and a host of other professional athletes, Love has found a way to work around his diabetes diagnosis. A 24-game starter over the past two seasons, Love should play heavy snaps as a run stuffer as new coach Gus Bradley remakes the Jaguars’ defensive line.

The rotational lineman is considered questionable to return. The Patriots are already thin up front with Albert Haynesworth inactive this week.

Per PFT, the Patriots cut Love for one reason: He has Type-2 diabetes. The former starting defensive tackle could have a case under the Americans with Disabilities Act, but Love’s current focus is on finding a new team. The Patriots clearly didn’t think Love would be able to contribute this season after recently losing 20 pounds. There’s a good chance another team will.