Steven Scheu signs a free agent deal with the New England Patriots

Vanderbilt tight end Steven Scheu has signed a free agent contract with the New England Patriots.

Pleased to announce that I've signed with the #Patriots! Couldn't be more excited about what's to come!

— Steven Scheu (@scheu_sauce) April 30, 2016

The 6'5, 250 pounder will join a team that knows how to utilize big targets. The Patriots have been a pioneer with their use of two tight end sets. While Rob Gronkowski is the team's headliner, other players like Aaron Hernandez, Scott Chandler, Daniel Fells, and Tim Wright have also been deployed as red zone receivers. Scheu will have to beat out former Bears starter Martellus Bennett and 2015 draft pick AJ Derby to earn meaningful snaps in New England this fall.

Scheu showed off solid speed after running a 4.6 second 40-yard dash at Vanderbilt's pro day. However, he'll still have to prove a lackluster senior season was an aberration after earning All-SEC honors in 2014.