According to the Boston Herald's Jeff Howe, New England Patriots fullback James Develin has signed his exclusive rights tender sheet and will therefore return to the team in 2015.
James Develin is returning to the Patriots, per source. He has signed his exclusive rights tender.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 10, 2015
Develin, who played college football at Brown, went undrafted in 2010 and spent time in both the Arena Football League as well as the United Football League before signing to the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad in late 2010. In 2012, the Patriots signed the fullback.
In his three years in New England, the 26-year old appeared in 33 regular season games and five postseason contests. Overall, he has recorded two touchdowns, 12 pass receptions and eight rushing attempts - he earned his first Super Bowl ring in February.
With Shane Vereen leaving the Patriots to join the New York Giants, re-signing Develin is a move that stabilizes New England's offensive backfield.