The New England Patriots lost a veteran linebacker on the same day they added one to the practice squad, with K.J. Britt leaving for a spot on the Detroit Lions’ active roster.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Britt has signed with Detroit, where he’ll help fill in after injuries to Jimmy Rolder and Jack Campbell, both of whom were hurt on Sunday. Britt had been the only linebacker on New England’s roster.
The Patriots brought Britt in during free agency this offseason after previous stops with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins. He came to New England on a one-year deal worth $1.4 million and entered camp competing for a depth job behind Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss.
In May, Britt made it clear what drew him to the Patriots.
"Bunch of blue-collar guys. I like it.
This is where I wanted to be," Britt said in May. "I wanted to come up here and work with guys that are like-minded, because you have some prima-donnas in this league.
You have some guys who like to play the game because of the fame that comes with it. You’ve got some guys who love to play the game because it’s a game - it’s the game that you’ve been playing since you were young.
"A lot of these guys, man, they love ball. They love football.
When you love football and you’re around a lot of guys who love football, it’s contagious. It makes you want to step up your game.
It makes you want to compete at a different level. It changes how you approach everything.
I can see it in this building."
Britt flashed during training camp and at times looked close to making the 53-man roster. He had a strong showing in the second preseason game, finishing with three tackles, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble against the Indianapolis Colts.
Still, New England got enough from rookies Namdi Obiazor and Khalil Jacobs to keep both on the initial roster ahead of Britt. The Patriots then signed him to the practice squad before the season.
He was elevated once over the first eight weeks and made his Patriots debut in the 45-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 11. Britt didn’t play a defensive snap, logged 14 special teams snaps and finished with one tackle.
More recently, Britt talked to Patriots On SI about preparing for a player like Malik Willis in practice. Britt and Willis were college teammates at Auburn.
"Freak athlete," Britt said. "Great competitor, loves football.
Just a good dude. He's just overall a good dude.
Once he gets going, he's explosive. He's dynamic and he can really run."
The Patriots now have an open spot on both the 53-man roster and the practice squad after releasing second-year safety Elliott Davison on Monday.
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