Patriots Signings: New England Signs RB Joseph Addai, Seven Rookie Free Agents

The New England Patriots announced the signings of veteran running back Joseph Addai and seven rookie free agents on Thursday.

Addai spent his entire NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts before being released on March 9, 2012. During his years with the Colts, Addai rushed for 4,453 yards and 39 touchdowns. He's also a receiving threat with 191 career receptions for 1,448 yards and nine scores. The former first-round NFL Draft pick has only fumbled 7 times (5 lost) during his NFL career.

The rookie free agents were:

RB Brandon Bolden (Mississippi), DL Marcus Forston (Miami), DL Justin Francis (Rutgers), TE Brad Herman (Iowa), WR Matt Roark (Kentucky), OL Jeremiah Warren (South Florida) and OL Markus Zusevics (Iowa).

This group of seven players will join the Patriots' seven NFL Draft picks at rookie mini-camp that begins on Friday at Gillette Stadium.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

Is Joseph Addai The Ideal Successor To Kevin Faulk?

The New England Patriots have reportedly agreed to a deal with former Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai. Could the veteran take over the role that Kevin Faulk has played for the Pats in recent years (before his injury)? For his part, Faulk hasn't officially decided on his future and last month was optimistic about returning to New England. But assuming Faulk retires or does not end up on the Patriots next season, Steve DeOssie talked about what role Addai could play on the Patriots.

Besides playing for LSU in college, both Addai and Faulk are backs that can run the ball for a solid average (4.2 ypc for Faulk, 4.1 ypc for Addai) as well as be a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield (42.8 catches/16 games for Faulk, 39.2 catches/16 games for Addai). Another thing both running backs do well is hold on to the football. Addai's only fumbled seven times in six NFL seasons (1.4 fumbles/16 games) while Faulk has fumbled 25 times (2.5 fumbles/16 games) during his lengthy career.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

Joseph Addai Will Reportedly Sign With New England Patriots

Joseph Addai, a free agent running back, will reportedly sign with the New England Patriots, according to former teammate and new Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. Addai has rushed for 4,453 yards and 39 scores in 78 games.