A league source explained to us this afternoon the payment procedure that will apply in the wake of linebacker Tyrone McKenzies season-ending injury during a rookie minicamp held less than a week after he joined the Patriots via round three of the 2009 draft. Other than Detroits Matt Stafford, who signed a contract before he was picked first overall, and the undrafted free agents who sign deals as they come through the door, every rookie who participates in offseason workouts as a member of the team does so without a contract. The players routinely choose to practice pursuant to a letter of protection, which promises that in the event of a season-ending injury the player still will be offered a fair contract. Source: ProFootballTalk.com
