NFL Draft 2021 undrafted free agents tracker: Patriots finally sign their first rookie free agent

Four days after the end of the 2021 NFL Draft it appears as if the New England Patriots have finally signed their first rookie free agent. According to a social media post by the man himself, the Patriots and Michigan place kicker Quinn Nordin have agreed to a contract.

Nordin announced the signing via a simple graphic with the word “Signed” and the Patriots’ team name on it:

Despite being one of the better kicker prospects in this year’s draft, Nordin did not hear his name called over the weekend. Instead, he will now join a Patriots position group that also features incumbent starter Nick Folk as well as former second-round draft selection Roberto Aguayo. Given his experience and strong performance last year, Folk has to be seen as the favorite to earn the job yet again but he will have some competition.

As for Nordin, he was a generally reliable player during his five years in Ann Arbor. He went 42-of-58 on field goal attempts with a career long of 57 yards, and also made 119 of his 124 extra point kicks. His final collegiate campaign was a challenging one for him, however: he did make all 12 of his point-after tries during his five games, but went just 2-of-5 on field goals.

Still, the Patriots are apparently feeling confident in adding him to the mix at kicker. With Nordin now part of the equation, and with the team receiving a roster exemption for international fullback Jakob Johnson, New England is now left with six open spots on its 90-man offseason roster.