The Patriots held onto cornerback Kyle Arrington, but another one of the team’s free agents has flown the coop.
Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com reports that running back Danny Woodhead has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Chargers. He’ll join Ryan Mathews in the Chargers backfield and, if past usage is any indication, he’ll also play a role as a receiver for Philip Rivers. If things work out perfectly, he’ll give San Diego’s offense some of what they’ve missed since Darren Sproles left for New Orleans and provide new head coach Mike McCoy with a versatile weapon on offense.
New England was thought to have some interest in a Woodhead return, but the addition of Leon Washington might have taken up the roster spot and role that Woodhead filled in recent seasons. With Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen also in New England, heading to San Diego probably offered Woodhead a shot at more playing time anyway in 2013.
Regardless of who winds up replacing him, the departure of Woodhead is another sign that the Patriots are looking to shuffle the deck this season after falling short in the AFC Championship Game.
UPDATE 2:25 p.m. ET: The Chargers have announced the deal.