Patriots Sign OT Ross

Looks like there will be an extra body competing for the offensive line this offseason.

The Patriots bolstered the depth on their offensive line today by agreeing to contract terms with free-agent tackle Oliver Ross. The team announced the official signing this afternoon.

The 6-foot-4, 327-pound Ross has played in 89 games with 53 career starts. He has spent time with the Cowboys (1998), Eagles (1999), Steelers (2000-2004) and Cardinals (2005-2007). The most productive stretch of his career came with the Steelers, where he was part of some mauling offensive lines that helped Pittsburgh annually rate as one of the league’s best running clubs.

The 33-year-old Ross has been limited by injuries at times over his career. Most recently, he missed last season after he was placed on injured reserve in August with a torn left triceps.

As for how Ross fits in New England, he has experience at both left and right tackle positions, with the right side his most natural spot. The Patriots have Matt Light returning as their starting left tackle and Nick Kaczur as their starting right tackle (he also swings to the left side).

Third-year man Ryan O’Callaghan was the team’s top backup tackle last year; he’s strictly a right tackle. Swing tackle Wesley Britt is fourth on the depth chart.

So Ross adds another layer of depth at the position for the Patriots, who did not select an offensive lineman in the draft.

Source: Reiss' Pieces

Here are some quick contract details.

A follow-up on the contract signed by veteran offensive lineman Oliver Ross with the Patriots:

It's a one-year package, with a base salary of $730,000, which is the minimum for a player with Ross's experience. The deal also includes a $20,000 signing bonus.

The contract qualifies for the minimum salary benefit, meaning that Ross's salary cap charge is $471,000.