The Patriots have reached an agreement on a one-year deal with free agent wide receiver Julian Edelman, a league source confirmed to ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss.

Mike Garafolo of USA Today originally reported the news.

Edelman, 26, played in nine games during the 2012 season, finishing with 21 catches for 235 yards and three touchdowns.

He finished the season on injured reserve after suffering a broken foot in a Week 13 matchup against the Dolphins.

The former college quarterback has been a valuable contributor for the Patriots in four seasons with the team, playing receiver and defensive back, and serving as a core special-teams player and punt returner.

He is the only player in the NFL to return at least one punt for a touchdown over each of the past three seasons.

Earlier Wednesday, the Patriots signed restricted free agent wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders to a one-year offer sheet, which the Steelers have five days to match.