FOXBORO -- A holdout that never really grew outwardly rancorous ended yesterday with the Patriots official mid-morning statement that the team and Richard Seymour had "reached an agreement."

Seymour, the Pats 25-year-old three-time Pro Bowler will get a bump from his salary of $2.87 million to almost $4 million according to reports.

Rodney Harrison said, "I'm happy to hear that. I've maintained since the beginning Richard is the best in the league. I'm happy he's back I'm happy they got this resolved. We need him."

Asked if he thought Seymour -- a close friend -- would have any hard feeling for the Pats, Harrison said, "Trust me. If Richard is coming in he feels like he got a fair deal. I'm just happy that he’s going to be here. That's huge for us."

Most players weren't aware of it.

Said linebacker Mike Vrabel, "That's great. That's the first I've heard of it, but if that's the case, that's awesome. You're getting a Pro Bowl player, a guy who's been a consistent player since day one. He was a professional the day he got drafted. That's what Hall of Fame-type players do and they do it for 10 or 12 years."

Bill Belichick wouldn't elaborate other than to say an agreement was reached. Seymour is likely to show up today. Whether he'll practice this evening in the stadium or be held out until tomorrow is still up in the air.

PRACTICE SHOTS

Deion Branch and Tom Brady had some solid hookups during the morning practice in sultry weather.

Brady also flogged himself for an underthrow to a back, delivering a high-volume expletive. Tiger Woods is one of his favorite athletes, by the way.

Chad Brown, Troy Brown, Willie McGinest and Rodney Harrison watched practice.

Monty Beisel was back on the field.

An NFL officials crew headed by Walt Coleman of "Tuck Rule" fame was in camp today and will be here through tomorrow's practices.

I'll have a story for tomorrow's paper on some interesting and funny words from Belichick on rules "emphasis".

I'll also have a lead story on Seymour reaction, a Journal with plenty from David Terrell and additional quick-hitters from practice.

Take care,

Tom