The New England Patriots have offered an exclusive rights free agent tender to defensive tackle Kyle Love, according to a report (via WEEI).

Love is the only exclusive rights free agent on the New England squad. If he signs the Patriots' offer, Love stands to make a base salary of $540,000 for the 2012 season. The Patriots had until 4 p.m. on Tuesday to extend the offer to Love or else he would have become an unrestricted free agent.

Love was undrafted out of Mississippi State in 2010 but has spent two seasons with the Patriots. Last season, Love played all 16 games and made 13 starts. Love had had 33 tackles (20 solo) and 3 sacks in 2011 during the regular season and 7 tackles during the playoffs. He has 40 tackles (25 solo) and 4 sacks for his career.

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