Pats sign running back Fred Taylor

FOXBOROUGH, Mass., Feb. 27 (UPI) -- The New England Patriots began the NFL free agent signing period Friday by signing veteran running back Fred Taylor to an undisclosed contract.

The Boston Globe reported that the 33-year-old Taylor, who spent his entire career with Jacksonville before the Jaguars released him this month, has scored 62 touchdowns after 11,271 rushing yards in 11 NFL seasons. He is 16th on the league's career rushing list.

Jacksonville released its 1998 first-round pick in the NFL draft despite reports that he was willing to take a salary cut.

The 6-foot-1-inch, 230-pound Taylor starred collegiately at the University of Florida and played 13 games last season, rushing for 556 yards on 143 carries with one touchdown before a season-ending torn thumb ligament in week 14.

He had gained more than 1,000 yards the previous two seasons.

At New England, he joins a crowded but injury-plagued backfield. Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan all have missed time with injuries in their careers.