BOSTON – Veteran safety John Lynch, a nine times Pro Bowl selection, has joined the New England Patriots, the team said on Friday.

Although the Patriots did not disclose details of the contract in an official statement, local media reported that Lynch had agreed a one-year deal worth $1.5 million.

A 15-year veteran who spent his first 11 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lynch visited the Patriots' camp on Wednesday to have a physical, clearing the way for a contract.

He left the Denver Broncos last month because he wanted more guaranteed playing time.

Lynch, 37, has registered 1,277 tackles, 13 sacks and 26 interceptions in his glittering league career.

His nine Pro Bowls are the second highest in NFL history for a safety, after Ken Houston's 10.

A third-round pick by the Buccaneers in the 1993 draft, Lynch was in Tampa Bay's Super Bowl-winning team in 2003.

New England need him with safety-linebacker Tank Williams suffering a season-ending knee injury in the team's first exhibition game on Aug. 7.