The Patriots and UFA TE Visanthe Shiancoe agreed to a one-year contract on Tuesday, according to multiple sources. The NFL Network reports that the deal will pay Shiancoe $1.2 million for 2012.

Shiancoe, 32, chose New England over the Eagles, with whom he also reportedly was negotiating. The nine-year NFL veteran caught 36 passes for 409 yards and three touchdowns with the Vikings in 2011. In his career (four seasons with the Giants and five with Minnesota), he has 243 catches for 2,677 yards (11.0 per catch) and 27 TDs.

Shiancoe is the sixth tight end on the Patriots' 90-man roster, including starters Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez plus ex-Giant Jake Ballard, ex-Bronco Daniel Fells and rookie Tyler Urban, who all were added this offseason.