Joe Vellano is back for his fourth tenure with the New England Patriots.
The Patriots announced they signed the defensive tackle to a future/reserve contract Wednesday. Vellano originally came to the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Maryland in 2013. He was waived Oct. 6, 2014, signed to the practice squad Oct. 8 and added to the active roster Jan. 17, 2015.
Vellano was waived again Aug. 31, 2015, signed to the Patriots’ practice squad Sept. 25 and cut Sept. 30.
Vellano most recently was on the Colts’ practice squad from Dec. 22 to Jan. 11.
Vellano played 16 games, starting eight, in 2013, when he recorded 54 tackles and two sacks. He played five games in 2014 and had six tackles and a sack.
Vellano is the ninth player the Patriots have signed to a future/reserve contract. They also added offensive linemen Chris Barker and Keavon Milton, wide receiver DeAndre Carter, running back Joey Iosefa, cornerback Rashaan Melvin, safeties Cedric Thompson and Brock Vereen and outside linebacker James Vaughters.
Thumbnail photo via Stew Milne/USA TODAY Sports Images
