FOXBORO -- It took a little time, but the Patriots announced on Thursday that they have signed fifth-round draft pick Joe Cardona, a long-snapper from Navy.
Cardona was the last fifth-round pick from this year's draft class to sign an NFL deal, and he was the second-to-last Patriots rookie to put pen to contract. Malcom Brown, the team's first-round selection, still has yet to sign.
As a graduate of the Naval Academy, Cardona would have to be granted permission by the Navy to delay his deployment and pursue an NFL career.
The 6-foot-2, 236-pound specialist who will wear No. 49 this season has been present at each of New England two open OTA sessions. He had an opportunity to snap against a defense -- albeit one clad in shorts and t-shirts -- when the Patriots finished Thursday's practice with Stephen Gostkowski field goals.
Cardona is currently the only snapper listed on the Patriots roster. He was a four-year player at Navy, and he was just the second freshman long-snapper in Navy history to serve as a starter.