Fletcher is signing a one-year deal with the Patriots, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports. Feltcher was with the Patriots from 2010 to 2013, recording six starts and 51 tackles. He then spent last season in Tampa Bay, where he started four games and made 28 tackles. Fletcher may need to compete for a roster spot, despite having extensive experience with the Patriots.

Fletcher will start at middle linebacker Thursday in Atlanta, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Typical starting middle linebacker Mason Foster suffered a dislocated shoulder in Week 2, resulting in an indefinite timetable for his next game action. Meanwhile, Fletcher is filling in in the Buccaneers' No. 1 defense, with four solo tackles and a forced fumble to his name this season.

Buccaneers signed LB Dane Fletcher to a one-year, $2 million contract. Fletcher, 27, performed spot duty at both inside and outside linebacker in New England, but will likely focus on special teams in Tampa Bay. He recorded eight tackles on kickoff and punt coverage with the Patriots last season.

Free agent LB Dane Fletcher will visit with the Raiders on Sunday. Fletcher was primarily limited to special teams during his four-year tenure with the Patriots, but is also capable of filling in as a reserve linebacker. In addition to the Raiders, Fletcher has also drawn interest from the Bucs.

Patriots LB Dane Fletcher (knee surgery) is participating in OTAs. Per reporter Field Yates, Fletcher wasn't showing "any signs of limitations." He missed all of 2012 with a torn ACL. He's returning as a reserve linebacker and special teamer.

Patriots re-signed LB Dane Fletcher to a one-year contract. Fletcher was set to be a restricted free agent this offseason, but the Patriots finalized a deal before he was able to talk to other teams on March 12. The third-year pro missed the entire 2012 season with a torn ACL, but his recovery is said to be on a "positive course." Fletcher will return as a key reserve and special teams player.

Patriots LB Dane Fletcher (ACL surgery) believes he can be recovered in time to put in a full offseason. Fletcher tore his ACL while covering the first punt in the first preseason game this past season. The Patriots will begin OTAs in April, and Fletcher will be eight months removed from surgery by then. A restricted free agent this offseason, New England will look to bring him back in a reserve and special teams role.

Patriots placed LB Dane Fletcher (ACL surgery) on injured reserve, ending his season. Fletcher went unclaimed after being placed on waivers, and won't count against the 53-man roster. The special teamer was set to open the year as the primary backup to MLB Brandon Spikes.

Patriots waived/injured LB Dane Fletcher. Fletcher tore his ACL in Thursday's preseason opener. The special teamer/reserve linebacker was set to serve as MLB Brandon Spikes' primary backup this season. Provided he doesn't get claimed on waivers, Fletcher should be in the mix for a roster spot in 2013, though he will be a restricted free agent.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Patriots LB Dane Fletcher sustained a torn left ACL in Thursday's preseason opener. Fletcher drew the start in the middle with Brandon Spikes sitting out. Following the injury, rookie Dont'a Hightower moved from the strong side to Fletcher's spot. The injury will increase the responsibilities of veteran Bobby Carpenter, who was signed for depth and versatility. Fletcher was expected to be Spikes' primary backup this season.