Source: Pats ink Wright to 4-year deal

Updated: March 14, 2009, 12:33 PM ET

Despite entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2005, Patriots defensive tackle Mike Wright didn't feel unwanted in free agency.

The Broncos and Cardinals were among the teams trying to sign him, but on Saturday the 27-year-old Wright decided to stay with the coach who groomed him. Wright, according to a source, agreed to a four-year, $7.5 million deal to re-sign with Bill Belichick and the Patriots, but the deal has plenty of perks.

There are $10 million of potential playing time escalators in the four-year deal, the source said. Considering he was a defensive lineman who played 44 percent of the snaps, Wright has a good chance to cash in on those playing time escalators and incentives.

The 6-4, 295-pound Wright has started seven games during his four-year Patriots career. He was an undrafted find of Belichick from the University of Cincinnati. Last season, he had 28 tackles and 2½ sacks.

John Clayton is senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.