A busy stretch for the New England front office continued over the weekend, according to some published reports. Both ESPN.com and the Boston Herald have reported a three-year contract agreement between the Patriots and free agent tight end Christian Fauria.
While a deal appears set, the team could not confirm the transaction Monday morning. An official announcement eventually could come as soon as later today.
According to reports, the deal for Fauria is worth $3.8 million and includes an $800,000 signing bonus. A seven-year veteran who has spent his entire career with Seattle, Fauria had 21 catches for 188 yards and one touchdown last season. Fauria has 166 catches and seven touchdowns in 103 career games, and has been a starter for much of his career. His highest reception total in a single season is 37, which he did in 1998.
Still, the 6-4, 245-pounder could provide an upgrade for New England at the position, where Jermaine Wiggins and Rod Rutledge combined for 19 catches, 168 yards and four touchdowns. The Patriots drafted a pair of tight ends last year, Jabari Holloway and Arther Love, but neither saw the field.
