FOXBORO, Mass., March 12 (UPI) -- After bargain shopping their way to a Super Bowl title, the New England Patriots are at it again Tuesday, signing free agent receiver Donald Hayes.
Hayes had 118 catches over the past two seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Terms were not disclosed, but Hayes reportedly received a two-year deal worth about $3.5 million.
Those figures would be in line with the bargains New England landed last season when it signed running back Antowain Smith, fullback Marc Edwards, receiver David Patten, linebackers Roman Phifer, Mike Vrabel and Bryan Cox, guard Mike Compton and defensive backs Terrell Buckley and Terrance Shaw.
The Patriots are hoping that philosophy works again. Rather than pay big money to the likes of Az-Zahir Hakim, who signed a five-year, $16 million deal with Detroit, Cris Carter or Michael Westbrook, New England instead pursued Hayes and Joe Jurevicius, the New York Giants' third receiver.
Patriots Coach Bill Belichick was seeking a physical receiver to complement Pro Bowler Troy Brown and opted for the 6-4, 218-pound Hayes over Jurevicius.
Hayes, 26, had 52 receptions for 597 yards for the 1-15 Panthers last season. Two years ago, he became a starter after Patrick Jeffers tore his ACL in the preseason and caught 66 passes for 926 yards.
In New England, Hayes will provide quarterback Tom Brady with a big target over the middle. The speedy Patten, who caught a
touchdown in the Super Bowl XXXVI win over St. Louis, likely will move to the role of third receiver.
A fourth-round pick in 1998, Hayes played sparingly in his first two seasons with the Panthers.
