:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46311416/usa-today-7616980.0.jpg)
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the New England Patriots have signed former Washington tight end Fred Davis to a one-year contract. Davis was out of football last season and is 29 years old.
The 6'3, 250 lbs Davis spent six seasons in Washington after being selected in the second round out of USC. In 2011, he won Washington's Offensive Player of the Year award, even after being suspended for the final four games of the season due to repeated drug test violations. He was placed on the injured reserve in 2012 due to an Achilles injury.
In 2014, Davis was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the substance-abuse policy. He was reinstated on May 1st, 2015 (just a little over a week ago), and the Patriots are going to give him another shot.
Davis joins a crowded positional group with Rob Gronkowski and Scott Chandler already guaranteed roster positions, and Michael Hoomanawanui, Tim Wright, and rookie A.J. Derby competing for what might be the third and final roster spot- especially if you factor in James Develin as a pseudo-tight end.
Davis' stats are clearly hampered by the anemic Washington attack, but he still managed 59 receptions for 796 yards and three touchdowns in just twelve games in 2011. He is far from a roster lock, but should add some quality depth for camp.