× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

Former Husker tight end Sam Cotton has reportedly signed a free-agent deal with the New England Patriots.

If surprised, don't be. Cotton had some very productive workouts in front of the pro scouts that popped through Lincoln since the end of the 2016 season.

While often viewed as more of a blocking tight end at Nebraska while Cethan Carter was thought of as the better receiver, Cotton showed well in pass-catching drills and posted a solid 40 time of 4.80 seconds at NU's Pro Day while measuring in at 6-4, 250.

As CSNNE.com noted, Cotton's "6.87-second three-cone drill would've ranked second among tight ends in Indianapolis for this year's combine. His 127-inch broad jump would've been fourth, and his 35.5-inch vertical would've been sixth."

The son of former Husker assistant Barney Cotton, and the last of three brothers to play at NU, Sam Cotton spoke candidly about his Husker journey in the days leading up to the bowl game last December.

Reach the writer at bchristopherson@journalstar.com or 402-473-7439. On Twitter @HuskerExtraBC.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 1 Angry 1

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.