Dane Fletcher Re-Signs With Patriots After Missing All of 2012 With Torn ACL

Although Dane Fletcher spent the entire 2012 season on injured reserve, the Patriots still see value in the 26 year-old linebacker.

Fletcher announced on Twitter on Thursday that he has inked a new deal with New England for next season, which multiple reports have indicated is a one-year contract.

In 2011, Fletcher had a total of 32 tackles and a fumble recovery for the Patriots during the regular season. In his career he has 55 tackles with New England along with a forced fumble and recovery.

Fletcher will be eight months removed from ACL surgery when he takes the field for OTAs in April. That seems like plenty of time to get the Patriots linebacker back on the field.

New England has 18 unrestricted free agents in total to sign, but the biggest name on this list has to be wide receiver Wes Welker. Sebastian Vollmer, Kyle Arrington, Aqib Talib and Danny Woodhead will also be on the Patriots’ radar as well.