FOXBORO, Mass., Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Linebacker Asante Samuel, designated the franchise player of the New England Patriots, ended his holdout and rejoined the team Monday.
Samuel was expected to sign a year-year $7.79 million contract with the Patriots.
New England Coach Bill Belichick confirmed that Samuel had reported to practice and said the linebacker would go "though the normal process that any player would go though at the beginning of camp." That includes a physical and conditioning run.
Samuel, who had 10 interceptions and 59 tackles in 2006, could have become an unrestricted free agent after last season but the "franchise player" designation by New England ended that.
Since the sides couldn't reach agreement on a long-term deal by July 16, Samuel was locked into the $7.79 million offer for 2007.
It was not known if he would be available for the Patriots' season opener Sept. 9 against the New York Jets.
