Fullback James Develin could have explored free agency but decided to stay with the New England Patriots for at least one more season after being given a one-year contract. 

Last season, Develin did not see action for the entire campaign due to a broken right tibia suffered in the preseason versus the Carolina Panthers. Develin's injury immediately earned him a spot on the season-ending injured reserve.

Now, the 27-year-old is eager to return and play for the Pats in the upcoming 2016 season. Develin made the announcement that he is staying through a statement posted on Twitter. 

According to ESPN, the Patriots had the chance to place the tender on Develin, but both sides negotiated and reached the one-year pact. 

The report added that Develin's desire to stay in New England won over the possibility of him receiving bigger offers during the free agency period which will begin on March 9. 

Develin's new pact with the Pats will now make him an unrestricted free agent in 2017. 

The undrafted fullback started his career with the Patriots in 2012 as a member of the practice squad before emerging in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. 

In those seasons, Develin played in all 32 regular season games and also saw action during the playoffs. 

Develin participated in Super Bowl XLIX as well where the Patriots defeated then-defending champions Seattle Seahawks to claim the ultimate prize in the National Football League (NFL). 

Making Develin stay is one of the early roster moves New England accomplished this off season.

The Patriots faced adversities, mostly injuries, and failed to defend their championship in the 2015 season. They finished second overall in the American Football Conference (AFC) but reached as far as the AFC Championship Game.

However, the eventual Super Bowl champs Denver Broncos were just too much, especially on defense, and the Pats' title defense ended early.