FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots re-signed starting safety James Sanders, punter Chris Hanson and reserve linebacker Eric Alexander on Thursday.

Sanders, a fourth-round pick in 2005, has started 36 games over his first four seasons in New England. He has 198 career tackles, five interceptions and a sack.

Hanson has played ten seasons in the NFL, the last two with the Patriots. He averaged 43.7 yards on 49 punts in 2008, with nine touchbacks and 19 kicks inside the 20.

Alexander was signed as a rookie free agent in 2004. He appeared in only one game last season because of a hamstring injury.

The Patriots also released linebacker Darrell Robertson, who spent part of last season on the practice squad.