Riley Reiff will be heading to a fourth team in four seasons. The veteran tackle is expected to sign with the Patriots, Dianna Russini of ESPN.com tweets.
The 11-year veteran has been with the Vikings, Bengals and Bears since 2020. He will join a Patriots team that has already agreed to terms with ex-Broncos spot starter/swingman Calvin Anderson. Reiff spent last season as Bears spot starter; the Patriots may give him a chance to earn the right tackle gig opposite Trent Brown.
Connected to a pursuit of a right tackle on this year’s market, the Pats stood down and let the likes of Mike McGlinchey (Broncos), Jawaan Taylor (Chiefs) and Kaleb McGary (Falcons) agree to terms elsewhere. Reiff and Anderson would not exactly be a desired right tackle competition, at least not at this point in Reiff’s career, and the Patriots do not have an expensive contract elsewhere on their front. For now, however, Reiff is the most proven option for the team on the right side.
Reiff’s experience aside, he turned 34 in December and did not begin last season as a starter for a 3-14 Bears team. The NFC North nomad did, however, move into Chicago’s starting lineup. The ex-Lions first-rounder made 10 starts for the Bears last season, supplanting Larry Borom in the rebuilding team’s lineup. Pro Football Focus ranked Borom and Reiff as its Nos. 50 and 51 tackles last season.
More to come.