FOXBOROUGH -- "It should have been a perfect situation, but never was," Doug Flutie said when he left the Patriots in 1989 after three tumultuous seasons.
Now, five teams (three in Canada) and 16 years later, Flutie is returning home.
The 42-year-old former Natick High and Boston College star signed a one-year deal yesterday to rejoin the Patriots as a backup quarterback to Tom Brady. He spent the previous four seasons with the San Diego Chargers, but was released in March.
"I'm very excited about being back in New England and being home and having an opportunity to join a great football team," Flutie said shortly after inking the deal. "There were at least four other teams that I've talked to over the last few weeks that I could have made a move with, but being home was important to me. My family is here.
"There are 5,000 reasons why I wanted to come to New England, and No. 1 is being able to wake up in my own bed."
As competitive as Flutie is, he understands his assignment. With Brady, who has started 71 consecutive games, entrenched as the starter, Flutie will compete with Rohan Davey, Chris Redman, and rookie Matt Cassel for No. 2 on the depth chart.
Flutie, entering his 21st season as a pro, has more than twice as much professional experience as the Patriots' other backups have combined.
"I'm excited about being in an atmosphere of having a guy that's a definite No. 1 and has proven himself time and again," Flutie said. "Hopefully, I can be a sounding board for him and be there to help him out and be a security blanket for the team.
"I think the role that I'm fulfilling is that of a veteran quarterback. Who's to say? My role could be in the classroom; it may be my biggest contribution. It may not be on the field."
Flutie sat much of the 2004 season as Drew Brees's backup with the Chargers, but started the season finale against Kansas City, completing 13 of 22 passes for 199 yards and touchdown in a 24-17 victory. The elusive Flutie also managed 25 yards rushing on three carries, including a touchdown.
Performances like that give Flutie confidence he can still contribute, despite being the oldest quarterback in the NFL at the end of last season. He's been proclaiming retirement to be just around the corner for nearly a decade.
"I've always said, `Two more years, two more years,' " he said. "And then last season, before the season, I said, `One more year.' And now, for the second time, I've said one more year.
"So I think I'm getting closer, but I have no idea."
Brady was just 10 when Flutie first suited up for the Patriots.
After winning the Heisman Trophy at BC (1984) and spending a year in the United States Football League, Flutie joined the NFL with Chicago.