Darnell Stapleton could pick up work after draft

Darnell Stapleton has picked up recent interest and the veteran offensive lineman is expected to be in the wave of free agency that picks up after the draft when teams reassess their needs heading toward the summer.

Stapleton worked out on Thursday for the New England Patriots and previously was put through a workout by the New York Giants, according to Scout.com’s Adam Caplan. He’s an interesting player because he’s still young and has tangible experience, starting the final 12 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2008 at right guard and then starting in their run to a Super Bowl championship.

But the Steelers did not tender Stapleton, a former undrafted free agent, as a restricted free agent. Stapleton, who played center last summer for the Steelers, underwent arthroscopic knee surgery during training camp. The Steelers placed him on injured reserve and the 24-year-old is ready to go.

The Giants are believed to like Stapleton and they could bring him back again. While he doesn’t project to be a starter for anyone this coming season, he would certainly provide depth as a swing interior lineman capable of playing guard and center, the position he played at Rutgers.

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