Report: Patriots Signing Undrafted Free Agent To Fill Roster Need After Tryout

New England Patriots Safety Peter Manuma

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The New England Patriots are signing an undrafted free agent safety, Peter Manuma, after a tryout during the rookie minicamp, according to The Boston Herald's Doug Kyed.

Manuma was one of 17 players the Patriots invited to minicamp on a tryout basis. He clearly did enough to earn himself a contract. The Patriots did not draft a safety during the NFL Draft, leaving many to question what the plan was behind Craig Woodson and Kevin Byard. However, Manuma has a chance to be a part of the depth in the safety room.

Manuma attended Hawaii and was a four-year starter. He was the team's defensive MVP last season. He recorded 80 tackles and seven passes defended. He also had a sack and 2.5 tackles for a loss. According to MassLive's Mark Daniels, he ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 35.5-inch vertical.

Behind Byard and Woodson, the Patriots do not really have a proven player who can step in. That means they need to identify some players who can be relied on if they have to step in and play. Manuma has a chance to carve out a significant role if he can continue to play well leading up to the 53-man roster cutdown.