The New England Patriots fell from grace last season, largely in part because their rushing attack almost fell off the face of the earth.

But New England's coaching staff isn't prepared yet to replace tailback Antowain Smith, whose production dropped off sharply in 2002 after he rushed for more than 1,000 yards in the team's 2001 Super Bowl season. Instead, the coaches have opted to replace Smith's previous escort with a new starting fullback.

Although there will not be an official announcement until later this week, the Patriots have reached an agreement in principle with free agent fullback Fred McCrary, who was released by the Chargers late last month.

McCrary, 30, will sign a two-year contract worth between $1.5 million and $1.7 million. He will attend New England's offseason program this week.

A six-year veteran who has logged only 11 carries for 12 yards in the past four seasons, McCrary was the lead blocker for San Diego tailback LaDainian Tomlinson and helped pave Tomlinson's route to 2,919 rushing yards in two years.

No one expects Smith to approach the 1,500-yard rushing mark again -- the Patriots were ranked second-to-last in rushing offense last season -- but he could be more productive with McCrary helping carve out some holes.

McCrary was released by the Chargers for salary cap reasons. San Diego then signed Pro Bowl fullback Lorenzo Neal, an unrestricted free agent from Cincinnati.

In the Patriots lineup, McCrary will supplant the departed Marc Edwards, who was not offered a contract and signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars last week.

After soaring into the rarified air of big-time free agent signings earlier this month, New England got back into character with the addition of McCrary, a lesser-known role player who understands and accepts his task. As has been the case with their other free agent acquisitions, the Patriots acted quickly in securing McCrary.

"To me, knocking (a defender) out of the hole and then having a runner have a big play because of it, that's really satisfying," McCrary said. "I know my place. I know what pays the bills. It's blocking. That's what I do."

The former Mississippi State standout has only 22 carries for 28 yards and one touchdown in six years, and has never run the ball more than eight times in a season. He did not carry the ball in 1999 despite starting 15 games for the Chargers. He also has 103 career receptions for 586 yards.

McCrary also has played for Philadelphia (1995) and New Orleans (1997).