The New England Patriots announced the signing of first-round draft pick Dominique Easley on Monday.
First-round draft pick signing tracker
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It's a four-year deal worth $7.3 million, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source informed of the contract. The pact includes a $3.63 million signing bonus, $5.89 million in guarantees and a fifth-year team option.
The 6-foot-2, 288-pound versatile defensive lineman was drafted No. 29 overall out of Florida, where he stared 26 games in four seasons.
Easley suffered ACL tears to both his knees during his college career, the most recent coming just over eight months ago, which limited him to three games his senior season. While he has participated mostly on a limited basis during the Patriots' offseason work, he is expected to be ready for the start of the season.
While considered undersized for the interior, Easley's versatility along the line and quick burst make up for the size shortcomings. He possesses disruptive penetrating ability with a tireless motor.
The Patriots were desperate for an infusion of young talent along the defensive line. The aging interior was exposed in 2013, especially after both Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly suffered season-ending injuries.
In Bill Belichick's flexible scheme, Easley should earn time in a rotation alongside Wilfork.
The Patriots also announced they signed rookie free-agent offensive lineman Chris Martin, who was released by the Houston Texans in May.
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