The Patriots are finalizing a deal to hire ex-Panthers assistant offensive line coach Robert Kugler to their coaching staff, according to NFL reporter Mike Giardi.

Kugler’s hire follows the reported addition of Browns assistant offensive line coach Scott Peters. Kugler previously served as the Texans’ assistant offensive line coach in 2021. He’s also worked under former Packers offensive line coach James Campen, who overlapped with new Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and front-office head Eliot Wolf in Green Bay. Before Houston, Kugler had prior college stops at Appalachian State, Washington and UTEP.

He joins Van Pelt, Peters, quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney and senior offensive assistant Ben McAdoo on the Patriots’ new offensive staff.

Pats outside linebacker Matt Judon told 98.5 The Sports Hub this week he’s “ready to play,” after recovering from the torn bicep he suffered last October. Judon said: “Good,” Judon said when asked how his biceps felt. “I feel like I’m fully functional. I feel like I got my strength back, my mobility back. I’m ready to play.” … Asked about safety Kyle Dugger’s impending free agency, Pats cornerback Jonathan Jones said the team should re-sign him on 98.5 The Sports Hub. “We have to. We have to, man. He’s one of those special players,” Jones said. “He loves the game, and he gives it all.” Jones re-signed with the Patriots last year, and his agency now represents Dugger, who flipped agents last month.