FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots announced today that they have signed three rookie free agents - DL Michael Bart, LB Christian Kuntz and LB Nick Usher.Â
Bart, 22, was originally signed by the Arizona Cardinals as a rookie free agent on May 17, 2017, out of North Carolina. The 6-foot-3, 270-pounder, was released by Arizona on June 6, 2017. Bart appeared in 48 games with 29 starts and finished with 83 total tackles, 12½ sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.Â
Kuntz, 23, was a part of three Northeast Conference championship teams (2013, 2015 and 2016) at Duquense. The 6-foot-2, 228-pounder, helped the school to a 23-11 overall record and a 14-3 record in his conference during his three years as a starter. He was named a second team Associated Press All-America in 2015 and 2016.Â
Usher, 22, was originally signed by the Seattle Seahawks as a rookie free agent on May 12, 2017, out of Texas-El Paso. The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder, was released by Seattle on July 29, 2017. Usher started in 36 of 49 games in college and was moved to linebacker as a senior after three years along the defensive line. He recorded 179 total tackles and 12 sacks during his college career.