The Patriots and special teams captain Matthew Slater finalized a contract today, and the team also signed defensive lineman Marcus Harrison.

Slater, a 2011 Pro Bowler, was one of the team's top free agents. The 2008 fifth-round draft choice served as one of the team's captains last year.

Meanwhile, Harrison Harrison (6-3, 316) returns to the Patriots after a one-day stint during the 2011 season.

The 2008 third-round draft choice of the Bears was signed by the Patriots on Oct. 14, 2011 when there were some injury concerns leading into the team's Oct. 16 game against the Cowboys. But Harrison was released Oct. 15.

The former Arkansas product appeared in 37 games for the Bears, where he played alongside Patriots defensive end Mark Anderson, and totaled 55 tackles and 3 sacks.