Source: Shiancoe agrees to deal with Pats

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- The Patriots beat the Eagles again. This time for the services of veteran tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.

Shiancoe, who worked out earlier in the day for the Eagles at Lehigh (see story), agreed to contract terms Tuesday evening with the Patriots, according to a league source.

The Eagles had made Shiancoe an offer earlier in the day to back up Brent Celek, but Shiancoe opted to go instead to New England, where the Patriots already have Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez manning the tight end spot.

Shianco, 32, spent four years with the Giants and five with the Vikings and was an unrestricted free agent this summer after turning down an offer from Minnesota. He has 243 career receptions for 2,677 yards and 27 touchdowns in nine NFL seasons.

As of Tuesday evening, the Eagles did not have any immediate plans to bring in another former Giant tight end, Jeremy Shockey, although a team source said Monday they will probably bring him in for a physical at some point.

The Eagles have three young tight ends behind Celek -- third-year pro Clay Harbor, a 2010 fourth-round pick; first-year pro Brett Brackett, a converted wide receiver from Penn State; and rookie Chase Ford from Miami.