FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Patriots announced the signing of rookie offensive lineman Derek Dennis on Thursday.
Dennis, who played at Temple, had been with the Miami Dolphins after signing with them as an undrafted free agent. He was released by the Dolphins on the first day of training camp when veteran Eric Steinbach was signed.
Dennis had free-agent offers from the Dolphins, Panthers, Jets, Browns and Titans after the draft, according to the Philadephia Inquirer.
The 6-foot-3, 315-pound Dennis started all 13 games at left guard for Temple in his final season. He also played center and tackle during his college career, making 37 career starts.
Per NFL rules, Dennis won't be allowed to practice with the Patriots for three days.
"It will be a couple days before we can actually get him out there," coach Bill Belichick reminded reporters. "We'll try to catch him up with some information, some material, then when he's able to practice we'll start practicing him."
The Patriots have been thin up front in camp, and had an open roster spot.