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The Lions and Patriots can work easily together, since Lions General Manager Bob Quinn used to work with Bill Belichick.

And now they’ve swapped a starter, a week ahead of the trade deadline.

In a deal that was broken by more ESPN reporters than people involved, the Lions sent linebacker Kyle Van Noy to New England. The compensation was not disclosed.

The former second-round pick from BYU in 2014 had finally moved into the starting lineup this year, starting all seven games.

The Patriots have a track record of taking other people’s misfits and making them contributors, which will give them the benefit of the doubt on this one.

The Patriots previously sent linebacker Jon Bostic to Detroit, and he’s on injured reserve with a foot injury (though he could return).