The Patriots have crossed off another name on their draft picks to sign list, as they have reportedly reached an agreement with linebacker Steve Beauharnais, their seventh-round selection out of Rutgers, on a rookie contract. This, according to ESPN Boston's Field Yates.
The deal is a four-year deal, worth a maximum of $2.207 million with a signing bonus of $47,592.
Beauharnais, whose leadership on the field has been compared to that of Ray Lewis, also shined on the field during his senior season at Rutgers. He finished with 82 tackles with an interception and a forced fumble. The Scarlet Knights' captain was named a semi-finalist for the 2012 Dick Butkus award, which is awarded to the nation's top collegiate linebacker.
As for what he'll bring to the Patriots, he projects as a primary special teams player and as an extra depth option at linebacker. But first, he'll likely have to battle returning players such as Niko Koutouvides, Mike Rivera and Jeff Tarpinian for a roster spot. Even though he was drafted by the team this year, it doesn't necessarily guarantee him a spot, being a seventh-round pick.
With his contract now signed, Beauharnais will join former Rutgers teammate Duron Harmon as the only two Patriots draft picks that have been signed by the team.