The Patriots and Knighton agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although New England and his previous employer, Washington, were in the mix for his services, Knighton settled on the former, with whom he should settle into a starting role next to Malcom Brown. Contained to 35 percent of the defensive snaps last season, Knighton matched his career low with 29 tackles in 15 games. A similar usage can be expected in the upcoming campaign, but could increase if he avoids weight and endurance concerns, as Mike Jones of the Washington Post reported Knighton dealt with in 2015.