BOSTON – According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the New England Patriots have reached a three-year agreement with free-agent guard and Ripley native Kendall Simmons.

The Patriots did not release the terms of the deal.

The move comes on the heels of the Patriots’ deal to send defensive lineman Richard Seymour to the Oakland Raiders for future draft picks. It is believed that Simmons will fill the roster spot left by Seymour.

Last Wednesday, the Patriots hosted Simmons for a workout at Gillette Stadium and today’s signing was intended to beef up their offensive line. Logan Mankins (left guard) and Stephen Neal (right guard) are returning starters and the Patriots selected offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger with their 2009 fourth-round pick.

It is unclear what Simmons’ role with the team will be, but earlier today, Simmons sent a text message to family and friends announcing 71 as his new number.

Simmons (6-3, 315), the son of Henry and Glenda Simmons of Ripley, is a seven-year NFL veteran. He was selected as a first round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002.

The former Ripley High Tiger, who played his college ball at Auburn, appeared in 80 career games with the Steelers and was on two Super Bowl teams (2006, 2009).

From 2005 to 2007, he started 46 of 48 games.

Simmons also started the first four games of the 2008-09 season before rupturing his Achilles tendon in a Monday night game against the Baltimore Ravens. In February, he was released by the Steelers to free cap space.