New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris will return to Essex for their 2011 Friends Provident t20 campaign.
Styris helped the county reach finals day last season but was unable to take part in the showpiece as his initial deal had expired.
Instead, Essex drafted in West Indies international Dwayne Bravo - a costly and ultimately unsuccessful decision.
This time a provision has been made for Styris to participate in the latter stages, should the Eagles qualify.
The 35-year-old played 15 matches in the 2010 FP t20, scoring 392 runs in 13 innings at an average of 35.64 and picking up 13 wickets at 31.38.
