Aiken brings special touch

Ex-Bill is signed for coverage unit

Feeling it was a prime opportunity to boost their special teams units, the Patriots contacted Bills receiver Sam Aiken shortly after free agency began last Friday. Aiken was flattered by the early interest.

"Coach [Bill] Belichick reached out at around 11 that morning, and that was a big deal to him," said Alvin Keels, Aiken's agent. "That call made him feel like the Patriots really wanted him."

Yesterday, the sides finalized a two-year contract that could be worth a maximum of $2 million if Aiken reaches all incentives.

"He was intrigued to be part of the organization, and the way they went after him aggressively went a long way when some calls came in after that," Keels said. "He pretty much had his mind made up."

The 6-foot-2-inch, 215-pound Aiken flew into town Sunday night, and visited with coaches at Gillette Stadium through yesterday. He projects to be a core member of the special teams units, which probably means, among other things, filling the challenging role of gunner on punt coverage. The gunner lines up on the outside and often must beat two opponents while covering a punt.

Receiver Kelley Washington and defensive back Willie Andrews usually lined up at gunner last season. Keels said the Patriots weren't the only AFC East team to contact him regarding the 27-year-old Aiken.

"I think it all came down to the fact that Sam is a great special teams player and all the teams that played him twice a year recognized that," Keels said. "Once he talked with the [Patriots] coaches, I think he felt good about the situation and what they'd be asking him to do."

Aiken, who has totaled 19 receptions in limited playing time at receiver, will be entering his sixth NFL season. He was a fourth-round draft choice of the Bills in 2003 and has played in 64 career games (two starts). He has 61 special teams tackles over his career.

"Competing against Sam many times over the years, we know firsthand what he brings to us," Belichick said in a statement. "We're glad he is a Patriot."

Details, details

Linebacker Tedy Bruschi's contract with the Patriots is a two-year pact. He received $1.2 million in the form of a signing bonus. His base salary is $1 million in 2008 and $1.9 million in 2009 . . . Washington also signed a two-year deal. He received a $450,000 signing bonus, and has base salaries of $605,000 and $800,000 . . . Long snapper Lonie Paxton's contract is a one-year pact. He received a $730,000 base salary and a $150,000 signing bonus . . . Linebacker Larry Izzo signed a one-year deal worth $830,000, with a $40,000 signing bonus.

In third, they're sixth

The NFL confirmed that the third-round draft pick the Patriots acquired from the Raiders last April will be the sixth pick in the round (69th overall). Because the Raiders were one of four teams to finish 4-12, the draft order for those teams could not be determined until there was a coin flip . . . The Patriots are accepting nominations for the 2008 Community MVP Award program, which honors individuals who exemplify leadership, dedication, and a commitment to improving the communities in which they live. In all, 21 winners will be chosen, with grants ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 awarded to the nonprofit organization for which the honoree volunteers. Applications can be found at www.patriots.com/community.

Mike Reiss can be reached at mreiss@globe.com.

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