New England trade for Carolina's Kony Ealy

The deal for the 25-year-old defensive end involved the Patriots sending a second-round pick in this year's NFL Draft to Charlotte while a third-rounder went in the opposite direction along with Ealy. 

Ealy posted five starts from 16 appearances in 2016 with five sacks following a standout performance the previous season in Super Bowl 50 which Carolina lost to Denver. 

Ealy is entering his prime but was allowed to move after the Panthers welcomed back 15-year veteran Julius Peppers following spells in Chicago and Green Bay.