FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots re-signed exclusive rights free agent defensive back Randall Gay today. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Gay, 23, was originally signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana State on April 29, 2004. The 5-foot-11-inch, 186-pound cornerback started nine games for the Patriots as a rookie and was the only rookie to start all three playoff games during New England's 2004 playoff run. Gay was the team's leading tackler in Super Bowl XXXIX, recording 11 solo tackles in the Patriots victory. He finished the 2004 season with 38 tackles (34 solo), two interceptions for 23 yards, six passes defensed and two fumble recoveries. The Brusly, La. native played cornerback and safety for the Patriots in five games in 2005 and was inactive for four due to injury. He was placed on injured reserve on November 15, 2005, finishing the season with 11 tackles (10 solo), including three special teams tackles, and one pass defensed.

Gay will enter his third NFL season in 2006 and has played in 20 games for the Patriots, starting 11 and totaling 49 career tackles (44 solo), two interceptions for 23 yards, seven passes defensed and two fumble recoveries.