Kick in the teeth for Patriots

According to sources familiar with the talks, Vinatieri would receive a $3.5 million signing bonus and $7.5 million over the first three years of the contract. The total length of the contract was unclear, though it could be five years.

The deal with the Colts comes shortly after Vinatieri hired Gary Uberstine as his agent to replace the Neil Cornrich group, which has represented him for many years. Until Indianapolis stepped up, Vinatieri had received only what he deemed a declinable offer from the Patriots and nothing but a promise for a top offer from the Green Bay Packers, with whom he visited last week. The Dallas Cowboys had also expressed an interest, but the Colts came out of the blue and essentially got the deal done yesterday.

The Patriots had former Bears and Vikings kicker Paul Edinger in for a visit yesterday. Vanderjagt, who badly missed what would have been a 46-yard field goal attempt in a playoff loss to the Steelers, is still available, too. He is an unrestricted free agent whom the Colts decided not to re-sign.

The Patriots have withstood many defections in the past few years, but Vinatieri was one of their most popular players, perhaps second to Tom Brady with fans. In this offseason, they have also lost Willie McGinest (Browns) and David Givens (Titans), and yesterday the Jets scooped up receiver/returner Tim Dwight (four years, $4.2 million, $750,000 signing bonus).

Vinatieri will be the latest ''core" player signed under Bill Parcells to leave, following McGinest, Ty Law, Lawyer Milloy, Ted Johnson, and Troy Brown (cut recently).

Vinatieri had stuck with Cornrich's agency even after Cornrich was suspended one year by the Players Association for testifying on behalf of General Motors against the estate of former Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas. Agent Jonathan Hurst was overseeing Vinatieri's contract talks, but the kicker became frustrated by what he perceived to be a lack of progress. He replaced Hurst and went with Uberstine at the recommendation of McGinest.