Former Boston College star Daryl Porter signed with New England, the team announced Wednesday afternoon.
The 5-9, 188-pound Porter has played five seasons in the NFL, appearing in 14 games for the Tennessee Titans last year. He brings competition for a backup role and strong experience on special teams to the Patriots.
A sixth-round pick for Pittsburgh in 1997, Porter has played 55 games, with three starts, and has registered 62 tackles in the kicking game. His most extensive work in regular defensive situations came last season with the Titans, when he had all three of his career starts as a nickel back and registered 31 tackles in 14 games. He also had 17 special teams tackles in 2001.
Porter has bounced around a bit in his career, playing seven games for Detroit in 1997 and 34 games for Buffalo from 1998 through 2000. He also spent time on the Steelers practice squad in both 1997 and 1998, and last season he was with the Dolphins in training camp, but was released before the season. He joined the Titans after Week Two of the regular season.
The addition of Porter gives New England seven cornerbacks, though Porter appears to be in competition with players at other positions for a roster spot. Based on his special teams history, how Porter performs in the kicking game during mini-camp and training camp will likely have a bigger impact on whether Porter makes the 2002 roster.
