Patriots Bring in Veteran Linebacker Chad Muma, Replenishing Depth at a Critical Time
The New England Patriots have shored up their linebacker corps by adding Chad Muma, a seasoned defender who spent this season with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad. The 26-year-old linebacker joined the Patriots on Tuesday, providing immediate depth behind an injured Robert Spillane, who is battling a foot issue and missed playing time last weekend against the Bills.
Muma was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 70th overall pick. Across his first three NFL seasons, he appeared in 50 games and started seven. His strongest year came during his rookie season, when he posted 47 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three quarterback hits. He also logged every game in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons for Jacksonville.
Hailing from Wyoming, Muma’s role with the Jaguars leaned toward special teams during his early career. That same special-teams emphasis continued in five appearances for the Colts this season, where he recorded 71 snaps on special teams and 32 defensive snaps. Through four NFL seasons, Muma has accumulated 911 special-teams snaps and 722 defensive snaps.
In terms of the Patriots’ roster, Muma slides into a deeper linebacker room that already features Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, and Jahlani Tavai. His arrival comes after Charles Murphy was waived on Monday, creating an opening for additional depth as New England navigates injuries and matchup challenges.
Spillane’s absence was notable in Sunday’s game, as he was active but did not take a defensive snap due to a foot injury. The Patriots’ run defense and coverage against Bills running backs and tight ends were impacted by his absence, underscoring the team’s need for more experienced bodies on the field.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged the depth issue earlier, noting that depth at linebacker was thinner than ideal and considering potential practice-squad options, though none were viewed as immediate game-day solutions at that time. The addition of Muma this week signals an effort to bolster the unit and reduce risk as the team seeks stability for the remainder of the season.
For readers following the broader NFL storylines, related items include Tom Brady offering guidance to Patrick Mahomes after Mahomes’ ACL-related setback, updates on Mahomes’ surgery, and ongoing conversations about the Patriots’ playoff chances as Week 15 concluded. Mark Daniels, a veteran Patriots beat writer since 2014, brings long-standing context to these developments, including past work with the Providence Journal and his extensive coverage of New England football.
What’s your take on adding a veteran with limited recent defensive snaps? Do you think Muma will become a meaningful contributor down the stretch, or is this more about insurance and depth for the postseason push? Share your thoughts in the comments.
