Veteran free agent outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain has agreed to a three-year deal with a maximum value of nearly $19 million, re-sign with the New England Patriots, according to a league source.

He received a signing bonus of $6 million and will be paid $7 million in the first year of the deal.

If escalator clauses are triggered a $4.5 million annual value could go up to $6 million per year.

Banta-Cain is the top pass rusher on the team.

For his career, he has registered 204 tackles, 22 1/2 sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles and four pass deflections.

After being released from the San Francisco 49ers, Banta-Cain re-signed with the Patriots last year.

He made an extremely strong return during his second stint with the Patriots, starting 10 of the 16 games he played in and totaling a career-high 10 sacks with 55 tackles.

Now, he has some long-term security as an established player with a new contract.