Patriots sign former Buccaneers, Rutgers linebacker to future contract

On Thursday, the Patriots announced they’ve signed linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi to a future contract. The deal allows the Patriots to keep Fatukasi off the free agent market, but not have him count against the team’s roster limit until it expands to 90 players in March.

Fatukasi, 23, just wrapped up his rookie season in 2022. He spent most of the year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after making the team as an undrafted free agent, appearing in 13 games. He played 150 of his 151 snaps on the season on special teams, recording six tackles.

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• Fatukasi was waived by the Buccaneers in mid-December. He signed with the Broncos practice squad later that week, but didn’t appear in a game. He wasn’t offered a future contract by Denver at the end of the season.

  In college, Fatukasi was a three-year starter and five-year contributor at Rutgers. He was named second-team All-Big Ten in 2020 and third-team All-Big Ten in 2021.

  The Patriots now have 12 players signed to future contracts for the 2023 season. Last week, they gave future deals to 11 players from their practice squad.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.