Patriots inking undrafted QB Brian Lewerke, plan to sign J'Mar Smith

After missing out on quarterbacks during the NFL draft, the New England Patriots signed undrafted free agent Brian Lewerke out of Michigan State, the passer's agent, Mike McCartney announced Sunday.

The Patriots also plan to sign former Louisiana Tech quarterback J'Mar Smith, though head coach Bill Belichick confirmed a contract has yet to be finalized, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.

Belichick admitted Saturday that going through the three-day draft without selecting a QB "wasn't by design." With just Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer on the roster, the team intended to add more help under center.

Lewerke started for the Spartans over his last three years in college. He threw for 3,079 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in his senior year, which culminated in a Pinstripe Bowl victory after going 7-6.

Smith threw for 2,977 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 15 picks and also added four rushing scores for the 10-3 Bulldogs. The senior was named the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year.

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