Joseph Addai expected to sign with the New England Patriots

Free-agent running back Joseph Addai will sign with the New England Patriots, a source with knowledge of the situation told NFL Network.

The former Indianapolis Colt was part of the 2006 Super Bowl-winning team that beat the Patriots in the AFC Championship game that season.

Addai has been hampered by injuries since his 2007 Pro Bowl season and is expected to be used in third-down situations. He was one of three free-agent running backs to have visited the Patriots this offseason. The team had also shown interest in Ryan Grant and Tim Hightower.

The Boston Globe later reported that Addai and the Patriots have agreed on a contract, but the terms of the deal were not yet known.

The news first broke Saturday after Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning reportedly announced it to media at an Indianapolis charity event. Twitter was soon alight with reports of the deal.

Addai has spent his six-year career with the Colts and is coming off his worst season statistically, gaining 433 yards on 118 carries.

The Patriots originally passed over Addai in the 2006 NFL Draft, selecting Minnesota running back Lawrence Maroney with the 21st pick overall. Addai, who played at Louisiana State, was selected by the Colts with the 30th pick.

Addai fit in seamlessly as a rookie, helping fill the hole left when veteran running back Edgerrin James signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Addai ran for a career-high 1,081 yards on 226 carries and seven rushing touchdowns.