Spencer Larsen won't get to block for QB Peyton Manning in Denver ... but working with Tom Brady isn't bad. Photo by Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE
Former Arizona Wildcats linebacker Spencer Larsen, a versatile player who was converted to fullback with the Denver Broncos, has agreed to a two-year deal with the New England Patriots, a league source told the Boston Globe on Thursday.
Larsen, 28, mostly has been known for two things in his four-year NFL career: He did rare double-duty when he started at linebacker and fullback in the same game as a rookie (also playing on special teams), and he caught the first career touchdown pass from Tim Tebow.
He’s been mostly a blocking fullback and a special teams player in the past two seasons, earning a reputation as a smart, hard-working, high-character player. Which is no surprise to anyone who knew him as a Wildcat.
Larsen — who was selected to our Arizona all-decade team — was a sixth-round pick of the Broncos in 2008.
He rushed 14 times for 44 yards last season, and he has 14 receptions for 127 yards in the past two years.
He will be reunited in New England with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who was the Broncos’ head coach in 2009 and 2010. Larsen will also join one of his Arizona teammates — tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Here is the updated list of ex-Cats on NFL rosters:
–Colin Baxter, C, San Diego
–Lance Briggs, LB, Chicago
–Eben Britton, OT, Jacksonville
–Antoine Cason, DB, San Diego
–Lionel Dotson, DL, Buffalo
–Ricky Elmore, DE, San Diego
–Nick Folk, PK, New York Jets
–Adam Grant, OT, Denver
–Chris Gronkowski, FB, Indianapolis
–Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England
–Spencer Larsen, FB, New England
–Earl Mitchell, DT, Houston
–Nate Ness, CB, St. Louis
–Fendi Onobun, TE, Buffalo
–Brooks Reed, LB, Houston
–D’Aundre Reed, DE, Minnesota
–Mike Thomas, WR, Jacksonville