The Patriots have reached a contract agreement with free-agent center/guard Jamey Richard, a source confirms.
The 27-year old Richard played in 48 games (11 starts) in four seasons with the Colts, after being drafted in the seventh round in 2008. ESPNBoston.com's Mike Rodak reported on Wednesday that Richard was one of three offensive linemen that the Patriots had in for a tryout this week.
Richard, who played in college at Buffalo and is considered a longshot for a Patriots roster spot, had some struggles with the shotgun snap with the Colts. The shotgun is a vital part of New England's attack.
The Patriots had Dan Connolly and Dan Koppen working as their top centers in Thursday's organized team activity. At guard, with 2011 starters Logan Mankins (recovering from ACL surgery) and Brian Waters (did not attend voluntary session) not on the field, Robert Gallery (left) and Ryan Wendell (right) lined up next to Connolly with the top group.
It's only May, but of all areas on the roster, the offensive line looks like the spot that currently has the most moving parts, with Bill Belichick tweaking things to account for depth.
The agreement with Richard ties into that line of thinking.
Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe first reported the Patriots' agreement with Richard.