A starting lineman for the New England Patriots worked as an informant for federal drug agents after he was arrested in New York on a charge of carrying the powerful painkiller oxycodone without a prescription, an attorney said yesterday.

Nicholas Kaczur, 28, wore a wire to help agents build a case against his alleged supplier, Daniel Ekasala, according Ekasala's attorney.

A Drug Enforcement Administration agent said in an affidavit that a cooperating witness — whose name was not revealed in the document — wore a recording device during three drug buys last month. In each of the deals, the witness bought 100 OxyContin pills from Ekasala for $3,900 in cash, the agent wrote.

Ekasala's lawyer, Bernard Grossberg, said Kaczur was that cooperating witness.

Kaczur denied to The Boston Globe that he participated in the investigation, telling the newspaper, "I don't know what you're talking about, bro."

Kaczur started 15 games last year at right tackle.

BUCCANEERS

STEVENS SUSPENDED

Tight end Jerramy Stevens was suspended without pay for the first two games of the season and fined an additional game check yesterday for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

The league also said any additional violations between now and the start of the season would increase the suspension to three games.

Stevens signed with the Bucs in April 2007 after being released by the Seahawks following his arrest for investigation of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.

The former first-round draft pick was convicted of DUI in September and served a one-game suspension and was fined an additional game check for the marijuana offense. The latest suspension stems from the DUI portion of the case.