Pats Add DT Kitchen To 53-Man Roster

A day after placing 2014 first round draft pick Dominique Easley on the Season-Ending Injured Reserve, it appears that the New England Patriots have taken a step to fill the void created along their defensive line.According to multiple reports, including one from Mike Reiss, the Pats have signed defensive tackle Ishmaa'ily Kitchen to the active roster, to add to their depth at the position.

Kitchen, a fourth year pro out of Kent State, entered the league as an undrafted free agent  with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012. After being picked up on waivers by the Cleveland Browns, prior to the 2012 regular season, he spent three seasons with the team.

In 40 games with the Browns the 6-foot-1, 330-pound defensive lineman tallied 78 tackles. He did play in one game this season with the Detroit Lions, though he did not record a tackle.

The move is not only one that adds needed depth, but also one that shows a growing connection between the Patriots and former Cleveland players. Michael Lombardi, who works as an assistant to the Patriots coaching staff, previously was the general manager for Cleveland. Since his transition over to his role with New England, the Pats have signed a number of former Browns, including Dion Lewis, Jabaal Sheard, Eric Martin, Bryan Tyms and now Kitchen. All of those guys played under Lombardi's regime.

Kitchen will join a tackle group comprised currently of Malcom Brown, Sealver Siliga, Alan Branch and Akiem Hicks.