http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2521949&CMP=OTC-DT9705204233
The New England Patriots have signed tight end Garrett Mills, the earlier of the team's two selections in the fourth round of the 2006 draft, to a four-year contract.
Mills is the third of New England's 10 selections in the draft, and their highest draft choice to date to reach a contract agreement. The Patriots last week signed sixth-round offensive lineman Dan Stevenson and seventh-round cornerback Willie Andrews to four-year contracts.
The 106th prospect chosen overall, Mills received a $462,500 signing bonus as part of a contract worth $2.072 million. The deal includes minimum base salaries for all four years, and an "escalator" that will allow Mills to increase his salary in 2009 based on predetermined playing time and performance levels.