FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots signed veteran free agent fullback Larry Centers today. The team subsequently announced the release of rookie linebacker Jason Hunt.
Centers, 35, is the NFL's all-time leader in receptions (808) and receiving yards (6,691) by a running back. In 13 NFL seasons with Arizona (1990-98), Washington (1999-2000) and Buffalo (2001-02), the three-time Pro Bowler has played in 189 games (104 starts) and has recorded 808 catches for 6,691 yards (8.3 avg.) and 27 touchdowns. He has also run the ball 594 times for 2,106 yards (3.5 avg.) and 14 touchdowns. Centers set an NFL single-season record for receptions by a running back with 101 catches for the Arizona Cardinals in 1995. The Tatum, Texas native was originally drafted by the Cardinals in the fifth round (115th overall) of the 1990 NFL draft. He played for the Cardinals for nine seasons (1990-98) and is Arizona's all-time leader in receptions (535).
Centers has led his team in receptions eight times in his career, most recently when he grabbed 80 passes for Buffalo in 2001. Centers has earned three Pro Bowl selections (1995, 1996 and 2001).
Hunt, 23, was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2003.
