The Patriots have agreed to a one-year contract with former Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, a league source confirmed. Shiancoe, 32, also visited the Eagles, but they dropped out, so the Patriots became the only option.
Shiancoe caught a career-high 56 passes and 11 touchdowns in 2009 with Brett Favre at quarterback, but his numbers have fallen each season since. The Patriots now have six tight ends on the active roster and another, Brad Herman, on injured reserve. Shiancoe is the first viable backup to Aaron Hernandez, who has gotten dinged each of his first two seasons, hurting the offense. Shiancoe's arrival allows Daniel Fells to fit more as Rob Gronkowski's backup at the "Y" TE position the team uses. Hernandez and Shiancoe are "F" or athletic TEs.