Patriots re-signed C Ryan Wendell to a two-year contract with a maximum value of $8.15 million. Wendell, 28, appeared to be one of the NFL's up-and-coming pivots in 2012, but his performance slipped dramatically last season, and his free agent market was all but barren. Wendell should only be penciled lightly into New England's starting lineup, depending on what happens in May's draft. At this moment, we'd project the Pats' first-team line as LT Nate Solder, LG Logan Mankins, C Wendell, RG Dan Connolly, and RT Sebastian Vollmer. G/T Marcus Cannon would be first off the bench.

Free agent C Ryan Wendell has yet to make any known visits. Wendell, 28, has started every game the past two seasons for the Patriots. After grading out as Pro Football Focus' top run-blocking center in 2012, Wendell fell all the way to No. 33 overall last season. He tends to get pushed around as a pass blocker but is a smart player. If the Patriots don't re-sign him, Dan Connolly may shift from guard to center in 2014.

The Giants have expressed interest in free agent C Ryan Wendell. It's Wendell's first known interest in free agency. ESPN's Dan Graziano expects the Giants to go with low-cost options at center and believes Wendell may have been a backup plan to J.D. Walton. The Giants are also in talks with free agent Kevin Boothe about a possible return.

Patriots C Ryan Wendell led the NFL in playing time during the 2012 regular season, playing 1,231 offensive snaps and 148 on special teams. Wendell started all 16 games at center for the Pats, who often used a speed-no-huddle offense that increased their play count. Wendell is a former UDFA out of Fresno State. Jaguars SS Dawan Landry led all defensive players in 2012 snaps played. Ravens S Sean Considine led the NFL in special teams snaps.