Patriots add future Bill Belichick favorite LB on waiver claim
By Adam Weinrib
The Patriots are going to get some late-season help with former Buccaneers LB Jack Cichy.
The New England Patriots are making an effort to shore up the roster for some extended tryouts down the stretch, and their latest addition feels like a future Bill Belichick favorite.
In an effort to revitalize the career of a 2018 sixth-round pick, the Pats claimed former Buccaneers linebacker Jack Cichy this week, and were rewarded with his services on Thursday afternoon.
It may take a few weeks for his debut, but the Patriots likely have a solid depth plan here, for 2020 and beyond.
Former #Bucs LB Jack Cichy has been awarded to the #Patriots in a waiver claim, source said. He needs to get through the COVID protocols, but some late-season LB depth and special teams help.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 3, 2020
Finally, someone who can get the Patriots locker room some intel on Tom Brady!
Cichy was waived by the Bucs on Wednesday, barely registering on the stat sheet in any of his three injury-plagued seasons in Tampa, and recording only a single tackle in 2020.
Huh. Wonder if this guy has any of the typical leadership attributes that teams like the Pats typically target?
Patriots have claimed LB Jack Cichy on waivers from the Buccaneers. Cichy (6-2, 238) fits the profile of a tough, high-effort, high-character core special teamer. He has battled injuries at Wisconsin and since entering NFL as a 6th round pick in 2018. A $750k base salary in '21.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 3, 2020
Ah, yeah, that makes a lot of sense.
Bill Belichick must be frustrated he hasn’t had the ability to develop a special teams ace in a few years (especially after witnessing the ongoing Gunner Olszewski problem this year), and Cichy perfectly fits the profile of someone who will thrive under his tutelage. A Wisconsin-raised, high-character, high-motor grinder. We can get used to the sound of that.
The end of this season will obviously be an evaluation period for next year, even with a playoff berth still in reach. A month or so of Cichy could be invaluable in determining whether he has the gumption to be Belichick’s next hard-hitting hidden gem.
Hopefully, the Wisco product can stay on the field and healthy in order to prove himself to a coaching staff that values exactly what he can theoretically bring to the table.
Head down, son. It’s time to Do Your Job.
