The New England Patriots wasted little time addressing their defensive issues during 2012 NFL free agency, reportedly inking former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Jonathan Fanene to a three-year deal on Wednesday.
Fanene, a 6-foot-4, 292-pounder who played his college football at Utah, registered a career-high 6.5 sacks to go along with 24 tackles last season in Cincinnati. The 29-year old was used primarily as a backup, but is adept against the run as well as the pass.
During his seven-year career, Fanene has totaled 66 tackles and 13.5 sacks. Yet it appears the Patriots value him highly.
The Boston Herald's Ian Rapoport reports that Fanene will receive a $3.85 million signing bonus, an indication that they do not take his talents lightly.
As the Patriots blog Pats Pulpit states:
That's a pretty big number, and it gives some type of indication about how much the Patriots value him. He's going to be an important contributor on the defensive line.
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