The New England Patriots are bringing back veteran offensive lineman James Ferentz on a one-year contract worth $1.215 million total.

The deal includes a $50,000 signing bonus and $200,000 in total guarantees. His base salary is $1.165 million, but he’ll only count $1.02 million on the cap under the veteran salary benefit.

Ferentz, 33, has been with the Patriots since 2017, spending time on the active roster and practice squad. He’s the son of Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and the brother of Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz.

James Ferentz has started nine career games, all with New England. The 6-2, 300-pound guard and center played 12 games, starting three in 2022.

Ferentz entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans in 2014. He also spent time with the Denver Broncos.

He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion, winning Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos and Super Bowl LIII with New England.

The Patriots now have nine offensive linemen — Ferentz, David Andrews, Trent Brown, Chasen Hines, Conor McDermott, Michael Onwenu, Kody Russey, Andrew Stueber and Cole Strange — signed to their active roster and guard Bill Murray on a future contract.

Offensive tackles Marcus Cannon and Isaiah Wynn are set to hit free agency next Wednesday.

Ferentz will serve as interior offensive line depth behind Andrews, Strange and Onwenu as long as he makes the 2023 53-man roster. New England must look into adding offensive tackle depth in free agency and/or the draft.

Featured image via Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports