Patriots placing key free agent addition on injured reserve

The New England Patriots placed tight end Julian Hill on injured reserve on Monday. It was the corresponding move to the team trading for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown .

This news comes as the Patriots just signed Hill to a three-year, $15 million contract in March during free agency. The contract included $7.5 million fully guaranteed and a $4.2 million signing bonus. Hill's specialty as a blocking tight end was expected to be a major addition along the Patriots' offensive front.

There was hope that he would help fill that No. 2 role as a more versatile option than former Patriots tight end Austin Hooper .

Hill is a devastating blocker who would have helped spring the Patriots' rushing attack. His exit has the team looking thin at tight end. Hunter Henry is the clear No. 1 option, but the team might have to turn to rookie third-round draft pick Eli Raridon earlier than expected to help fill the void.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots placing key free agent addition on injured reserve