Patriots Sign Former UDFA Tight End Who Was a College QB Because of Course They Did
By Michael Luciano
The New England Patriots have always been one to look outside of the traditional box to fill out their roster. To add some more athleticism to their current group of tight ends, the Pats decided to add a 244-pound former Division II quarterback, because why not?
The Patriots signed free agent tight end Jason Vander Laan, who was cut by the Carolina Panthers after an up-and-down showing in the preseason, to their practice squad.
#Patriots sign QB Cody Kessler to the 53-man roster; Sign TE Jason Vander Laan to the practice squad: https://t.co/PZriipSscd
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 25, 2019
Vander Laan was a legendary Division II passer for Ferris State. He holds the record for rushing yards by a quarterback across all divisions, adding 81 touchdowns on the ground while also throwing for 85 touchdowns. He won the Harlon Hill Trophy, the D-II equivalent of the Heisman, twice.
Vander Laan latched on with the New York Jets in 2017, who converted him into a tight end.
The tight end is Jason Vander Laan, the Patriots announced. 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, played QB in college at Ferris State. Appeared in four games for the Colts in 2017, then spent most of last season on Carolina's practice squad. https://t.co/gR6VuWI8je
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) September 25, 2019
Knowing Josh McDaniels and Bill Belichick, we're already looking forward to Vander Laan recording 90 yards and a touchdown in the AFC Championship game, because that's just how this team operates.