Brandon LaFell and Patriots Agree on 3-Year Contract: Latest Details, Analysis

The New England Patriots have given Tom Brady another weapon to work with next season by adding Brandon LaFell to the roster.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the news of a three-year deal for the 27-year-old receiver:

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com provides a look at the value of the contract:

LaFell had been a secondary target behind Steve Smith with the Carolina Panthers for the past four seasons after being selected in the third round of the 2010 draft. This past season, he finished with 627 receiving yards and posted career highs of 49 catches and five receiving touchdowns.

As Mike Reiss of ESPN notes, the Patriots were able to see what the young player can do up close:

With the team also re-signing Julian Edelman, per ESPN.com, the Patriots should have a decent receiving corps to work with in 2014. LaFell also adds some much-needed size, considering Danny Amendola (5'11") and Edelman (5'10") were the top two receivers this past season.

On the other hand, Cecil Lammey of ESPN argues that there were better options available:

LaFell will have competition for playing time with Aaron Dobson, Kenbrell Thompkins and others battling for snaps, but he should put up big numbers when he sees the field.

Meanwhile, this is yet another loss for the Panthers at receiver after releasing Steve Smith earlier in the week. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller points out that not all of the holes can be filled in the draft:

After securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC this past season, Carolina could be set for a letdown performance in 2014 unless some moves are made.

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