Three days ago, the New England Patriots signed offensive tackle Tony Garcia to his rookie contract. Being selected only three picks after defensive edge Derek Rivers, it was only a matter of time until the team’s highest selection signed his contract as well.
According to his agency, he did just that earlier today:
IT'S OFFICIAL! Sending a huge congrats to our guy Derek Rivers (@D_Rivers11) for signing with the New England @Patriots #ElementFamily pic.twitter.com/TV2gk29KiN
— Element Sports Group (@element_sports) June 8, 2017
Details of the contract were not enclosed but per the collective bargaining agreement it will be a four-year deal. With Rivers in the fold, the Patriots have now signed all four members of their 2017 draft class. Fellow rookies Tony Garcia, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Conor McDermott have already been under contract entering today.
New England selected rivers in the third round of this year’s draft, investing pick number 85 in the 23-year old. The Youngstown State product was a productive edge rusher over the course of his four-year collegiate career, tallying a school record 41.0 career sacks; 14.0 of which came during his senior season.
Due to his draft status, Rivers is a lock to make the Patriots roster. He will compete with fellow offseason acquisition Kony Ealy and returning veterans Trey Flowers and Rob Ninkovich for playing time on exterior of New England’s defensive line.