Baltimore Ravens restricted free agent Spencer Folau has signed an offer sheet with the New England Patriots.
The deadline for teams to re-sign restricted free agents was Monday night. Following the deadline, the Patriots signed the 6-5, 300-pound tackle to an offer sheet. Baltimore has until 4 p.m. Friday to match the deal. All restricted free agent situations must be resolved prior to the draft on April 15-16.
Folau, a backup with Baltimore, played in six games, including one start, during the 1999 season. After joining the Ravens as a rookie free agent in 1996, he had four starts in 27 games with Baltimore. Folau spent the 1996 season on Baltimore's practice squad after completing his college career with Division I-AA Idaho.
Folau is the second offensive lineman to sign this week with New England. Former New York Giants guard/center Lance Scott also signed with the team. Scott was an unrestricted free agent. The Patriots signed former Seattle tackle Grant Williams earlier in the offseason.
Because of salary cap restrictions, the Patriots have been forced to sign bargain basement players. Of the eight unrestricted free agents signed this offseason, only Williams and tight end Eric Bjornson played last year.
