A few extra points to account for with the New England Patriots:
One-year contracts for veteran tight ends. As one would expect, the contracts signed by tight ends Ben Hartsock and Steve Maneri are one-year deals for the veteran minimum. Hartsock has a base salary of $955,000, while Maneri’s is $730,000. Each contract includes a split that reduces the payment if the player lands on injured reserve. There is no guaranteed money in either deal.
Undrafted players land elsewhere. Undrafted running back Stephen Houston, who was waived by the Patriots despite receiving the second highest total in guaranteed money among New England undrafted players, has signed with the Steelers. That makes him the second former Patriots running back to head to Pittsburgh this season, joining LeGarrette Blount. Pittsburgh likes big backs. Meanwhile, ProFootball Talk has former Patriots undrafted tight end Asa Watson set to sign with the Cowboys. Justin Jones remains a free agent.
Mallett still has high approval rating. Chris Wesseling of NFL.com takes a look at the backup quarterbacks around the NFL, as part of a complementary piece to Judy Battista’s feature story. Ryan Mallett is still viewed favorably.
