FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots signing rookie free agent Derek Dennis, an offensive lineman, on Thursday.

Dennis, 24, played at Temple, and was signed by the Miami Dolphins as a rookie free agent before being released July 26. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound left guard started all 13 games last season for the Owls.

The Patriots open the preseason on Aug. 9 vs. New Orleans.