The New England Patriots were awarded their claim on cornerback Ray Hill off waivers from the Buffalo Bills Wednesday.
Hill, 26, was originally signed by the Buffalo Bills as a non-drafted rookie free agent from Michigan State in 1998. The 6-0, 192-pound cornerback played in four games for the Bills as a rookie before being waived. A three-year veteran, Hill was claimed off waivers by Miami and saw action in two regular season and two postseason games with the Dolphins.
Hill played in all 16 games for the Dolphins in 1999 and finished with 14 special teams tackles. He was also credited with one defensive tackle, one pass defensed and one forced fumble. The Dolphins gave him a special teams game ball after he had five special teams tackles in a game against the Patriots in Week Six in 1999.
Miami waived Hill in October last season after he recorded seven special teams tackles in three games. He was re-signed by Buffalo as a free agent on Nov. 22, 2000, where he spent the remainder of the 2000 season.
The addition of Hill gives New England nine cornerbacks on its roster. Ty Law, Terrance Shaw and Otis Smith have significant starting experience. Hill, Kato Serwanga and Antwan Harris have limited experience. The other three are draft picks Brock Williams and Leonard Myers, and second-year player Sean Morey, who is converting from wide receiver. Williams suffered a knee injury during passing camp and may be lost for the entire season.
