Center David Andrews returning to New England Patriots

BOSTON (AP) — David Andrews says he's staying in New England.

The Patriots' free agent center confirmed

Andrews posted a meme from “The Wolf of Wall Street” in which Leonardo DiCaprio's character surprises his employees by declaring “I'm not leaving!" after giving what was supposed to be a farewell speech.

The deal is expected to be completed by early next week.

The Patriots announced the signings of 13 other free agents Friday: tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith; receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne; linebackers Matt Judon, Kyle Van Noy and Raekwon McMillan; offensive lineman Ted Karras; defensive linemen Henry Anderson, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Montravius Adams; and defensive backs Jalen Mills and Cody Davis.

“We are excited about the additions to our roster so far this year,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a statement.

“Whether by trade, free agency or re-signings, the group brings a good mix of offense, defense and special teams. It was great to see them in the building, including some familiar faces, and we are all looking forward to continue building toward the upcoming season.”

Andrews had explored possible suitors on the open market, including the division rival Miami Dolphins, but will return to an offensive line he's started 69 of his 72 NFL games for since being signed by New England as an undrafted free agent in 2015.

A captain the past two seasons, Andrews has been one of the Patriots' most dependable players up front, starting all 16 games in 2016 and 2018. He spent all of 2019 on injured reserve due to a blood clot issue, but returned in 2020 and made 12 starts.

His return also will help provide a little more continuity to a group that lost left guard Joe Thuney, who agreed to join the Kansas City Chiefs on a

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