The New England Patriots have had the most active start to free agency in recent memory. Be it signing a free agent cornerback to a huge contract, re-signing core defenders, or being at the center of blockbuster trade rumors, New England has done it all. Naturally, not all transactions made or not made by the team receive the same kind of spotlight - and this is one of them.
According to Ben Volin, the team re-signed restricted free agent tight end Michael Williams after not tendering him originally:
Patriots didn't offer an RFA tender to blocking TE Mike Williams, but source says he has re-signed with Patriots for 1 year
The 26-year old, who spent the entire 2016 campaign on the sidelines due to a knee injury, was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after New England did not offer him a tender sheet. However, now that both sides have agreed to a one-year deal, Williams will return.
The four-year veteran becomes the fifth tight end currently under contract for the 2017 season. Rob Gronkowski and Dwayne Allen are roster locks, while Williams, Matt Lengel and Rob Housler will fight for one or two backup spots.