New England made it's first free agent signing Thursday, inking a one-year offer sheet with restricted free agent Mike Maslowski. Now they have to wait to see if Kansas City matches the offer.

The Patriots confirmed the offer. Because Maslowski is a restricted free agent, the Chiefs have seven days to match the offer. If they do not, New England will not have to give any compensation.

A three-year veteran, Maslowski has played 39 games for the Cheifs. He appeared in just eight games in 2001 because of knee injuries. An injury suffered against Jacksonville caused him to be inactive for the first five games of the season, and then a knee injury forced him to injured reserve on Dec. 23.

In limited time, Maslowski had 10 tackles on defense and 12 on special teams. According to the Chiefs web site, Maslowski has 70 tackles and 60 special teams stops in 39 games. He has started five games and has three sacks, four passes defensed, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Linebacker is a spot the Patriots need some help. They have Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and special teams standouts Larry Izzo and Matt Chatham coming back. Right now Ted Johnson is under contract, but his roster spot is not secure, and Andy Katzenmoyer's status is also uncertain. Bryan Cox and Roman Phifer are unrestricted free agents, though one or both could return.

In other news, Michael Felger of the Boston Herald reported that a trade for wide receiver