New England Patriots fullback Danny Vitale is opting out.
Agent Leigh Steinberg confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that Vitale, a fifth-year veteran who joined the Patriots as a free agent this year, is taking the leave of absence option afforded NFL players due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Vitale and his wife, Caley, are parents to a newborn baby.
Vitale spent the past two seasons with the Green Bay Packers and started 15 games in 2019.
He’s the third known player to exercise the opt-out clause, joining Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Ravens wide receiver De’Anthony Thomas.