The Patriots brought tackle LaAdrian Waddle to New England in December after he was waived by the Lions as they tried to shore up an injury-riddled offensive line and they’ll be bringing the restricted free agent back in 2016.
It won’t be on a restricted free agent tender offer, however. Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports that the Patriots signed Waddle to a two-year deal.
Waddle played one game for the Patriots as a replacement for Sebastian Vollmer after Vollmer hurt his ankle, but had to leave that game a bit later because of his own shoulder injury. He was inactive for the team’s two playoff outings.
Vollmer and Marcus Cannon, who started eight games last season, are set to be free agents after the 2016 season. Left tackle Nate Solder missed most of the season with a torn bicep and is signed through the 2017 season.