Patriots acquire DE Kony Ealy in trade with Panthers

The New England Patriots have swung another deal to reshape their roster.

The Patriots acquired defensive end Kony Ealy and a third-round pick from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a second-round pick, a person with knowledge of the move told USA TODAY Sports' Tom Pelissero. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the move had not been announced.

A second-round pick in 2014, Ealy had 14 sacks in three seasons with the Panthers. The team re-signed Mario Addison, Charles Johnson and Wes Horton at the position and added Julius Peppers in free agency, creating a logjam at the position.

Defensive end Chris Long announced earlier he would not be returning to the Patriots, and Jabaal Sheard is a free agent.

On Wednesday, the Patriots reached a trade to acquire tight end Dwayne Allen from the Indianapolis Colts.

PHOTOS: Notable NFL players on the move