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Ashworth to 'Hawks

Offensive tackle Tom Ashworth, who emerged from practice squad player to starter in four seasons with the Patriots, has agreed to terms on a deal with the Seahawks today. Ashworth’s agent, Tom Mills, confirmed the agreement in principle.

The 28-year-old Ashworth appeared in 37 career regular-season games with the Patriots (30 starts). He played in 14 games in 2005, with 11 starts. Ashworth primarily shared time at right tackle with Brandon Gorin over the last two seasons.

Ashworth had also drawn interest in free agency from the Jets, Buccaneers, Dolphins, Saints and Texans.

The Patriots –- who have Matt Light, Nick Kaczur and Gorin atop the tackle depth chart -- also kept an open dialogue about the possibility of a return. Yet likely due to their personnel already in place, the team wasn't overly aggressive.

The Seahawks are an unexpected landing spot for Ashworth, because the team has two returning tackles in Sean Locklear and Walter Jones. But Seattle lost starting left guard Steve Hutchinson in free agency and was looking for reinforcements on the line. Much of Ashworth’s pro experience has come at tackle.

EXTRA POINTS: On the heels of a Thursday Providence Journal report that the Patriots were close to re-signing Stephen Neal and Troy Brown, host Michael Holley of sports radio 850 WEEI in Boston said today that the Patriots will officially re-sign Brown. ... ESPN.com is reporting that the Patriots have re-signed running back Heath Evans.