BOSTON (CBS) – The New England Patriots have re-signed safety James Ihedigbo, the team announced Friday.

Ihedigbo was a valuable member of a very shorthanded secondary for the Patriots in 2011. The 28-year-old started 12 of the 16 regular season games and all three postseason games for New England, finishing with a career-high 72 total tackles. He also saw time on special teams, adding four tackles.

Ihedigbo totaled another 20 tackles and a sack during the Patriots’ postseason run.

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Ihedibo joins a safety corp in New England that currently includes four-year veteran Patrick Chung, Josh Barrett, Sergio Brown and rookie Tavon Wilson.  Corners Devin McCourty and Ras-I Dowling could also see snaps at safety in the upcoming season.

The UMass alum and Northampton, Mass. native was signed by the Patriots prior to last season after spending his previous four NFL seasons with the New York Jets.

In 53 career games, Ihedigbo has totaled 121 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.