NFL : Linebacker Porter signs with Dolphins
Joey Porter wasn’t unemployed for long.
The trash-talking linebacker, cut last week by Pittsburgh to save salary cap room, agreed to a five-year, $32 million contract with Miami, giving the Dolphins a potentially devastating pass rushing tandem with Jason Taylor, the defensive player of the year.
Porter is guaranteed $20 million in the deal, which was agreed to late Monday, according to a person with knowledge of the discussion who requested anonymity because Porter has not yet passed his physical and the contract may not be signed until today or Thursday.
Another linebacker from the AFC North, Brian Simmons, landed in New Orleans.
Simmons, released by Cincinnati, signed with the Saints after being released by the Bengals in a cap cut. He was the 17th overall pick in the 1998 draft.
Oakland agreed with two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Jeremy Newberry on a $1.5 million, one-year contract.Newberry, who turns 31 this month, has played center, tackle and guard in the past and could be used in any of those spots with Oakland.
Pittsburgh signed restricted free agent punter Andy Lee to an offer sheet. The San Francisco 49ers have a week to match the offer and keep Lee. If they don’t, the Steelers must send a sixth-round draft pick to the 49ers as compensation.
Quarterback Trent Green was seeking a trade that could lead to the end of his career in Kansas City.
In other moves Tuesday:
“The San Diego Chargers signed veteran center Cory Withrow (Washington State University/Mead High) to a three-year deal. Withrow, who played 11 games in 2006, spent his first six NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.
“Tampa Bay signed offensive tackle Luke Petitgout, released by the New York Giants after starting 106 games for them since being drafted in the first round in 1999.
“Kansas City signed linebacker Napoleon Harris, who played two years in Minnesota after being traded there by Oakland in the deal for Randy Moss.
“The Chicago Bears and New York Jets finalized their trade for running back Thomas Jones. He joins the Jets and gives Cedric Benson a clear shot at Chicago’s starting job.
“San Francisco signed former New England linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, the fifth free agent it has signed since the signing period began last Friday.
“Baltimore re-signed running back Musa Smith, who has been injured during most of his four seasons with the Ravens.
“Carolina released backup quarterback Chris Weinke, a former Heisman Trophy winner.
“New England re-signed Larry Izzo, who has been to the Pro Bowl three times as a special teams player.