New England Patriots Report

Closer look at fullback deals

April, 2, 2012

4/02/12

11:00

AM ET

By Mike Reiss | ESPNBoston.com

A closer look at contracts signed by fullbacks Spencer Larsen and Tony Fiammetta with the Patriots, and how it affects the salary cap:

Larsen (2 years)
2012 base salary: $700,000
2013 base salary: $750,000
Signing bonus: $250,000
2012 cap number: $825,000

Fiammetta (1 year)
2012 base salary: $615,000
Signing bonus: $60,000
Workout bonus: $25,000
2012 cap number: $700,000

ANALYSIS: These deals are part of the Patriots' theme of addressing the middle class of their roster in free agency. A $250,000 signing bonus for Larsen is also an indication, from this view, that the team envisions him on the 2012 roster because that's a significant up-front payment. One storyline to watch in training camp will be the role of the fullback making a return in the Patriots' offense, as the financial investment made in this area seemingly reflects an increased focus at the position.

Mike Reiss

Patriots reporter, ESPNBoston.com

Covered Patriots since 1997
Blogging on Pats since 2004
Joined ESPNBoston.com in 2009

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ABOUT THIS BLOG

Mike Reiss

Mike Reiss first started covering the Patriots in 1997 with the team's official newspaper, Patriots Football Weekly, before moving on to the MetroWest Daily News in his hometown of Framingham. From 2005 to 2009, he covered the Patriots for The Boston Globe, while also writing on the NFL. He started his popular Patriots blog in 2004. Send any questions or comments for Mike to his mailbag. Follow him on Twitter (@MikeReiss).

Mike Rodak

Mike Rodak began covering the Patriots for ESPNBoston.com in July 2010. A native of Grafton, Mass., Mike attends Providence College, where he assists the athletic department in game management, facilities, and logistics. Follow him on Twitter (@mikerodak)

Field Yates

Field Yates begins his contributions to ESPNBoston.com in 2012 after having written for a number of football-related sites around the web. Field began his professional career after college with the Kansas City Chiefs, working in both the scouting and coaching departments of the franchise before redirecting his focus to a career in media. He also interned for four summers in the coaching and scouting departments with the Patriots. Follow him on Twitter (@FieldYates).