BOSTON (April 18, 2007) -- The New England Patriots and veteran cornerback Tory James have agreed to a one-year deal.
The 33-year-old will compete for playing time in a deep Patriots secondary, his agent Mark Bartelstein said. James has played 11 NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals.
He had four interceptions last year with the Bengals and a career-high of eight in 2004.
The Patriots have a number of defensive backs, but franchise player Asante Samuel, an anchor on defense who recorded 10 interceptions last season, has not accepted the team's tender offer.
He said James' was convinced by coach Bill Belichick's pitch and his past performance with veteran defensive players. The Patriots landed one of the best defensive free agents on the market this offseason, veteran linebacker Adalius Thomas from the Baltimore Ravens.
