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Poteat re-signs

The Patriots have re-signed cornerback Hank Poteat to a one-year, $545,000 contract, keeping him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

"In this market, he's happy to have a job," said Brian Levy, who represents Poteat. "The Patriots are a team he's comfortable with and he's enjoyed his time there. He feels appreciated there."

Poteat was with the Patriots in 2005 training camp, didn’t make the final cut, but was re-signed Oct. 19 after the Patriots had a number of injuries in the defensive backfield. He appeared in 10 games, with one start, and was one of only three healthy corners by the end of the season -- along with Ellis Hobbs and Asante Samuel.

"He's been a nice insurance policy for them,” Levy said.

Poteat was one of 16 Patriots players scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent as of midnight.

EXTRA POINTS: Kicker Adam Vinatieri commented on his pending free agent status in this article out of Orlando, saying: "The opportunity to go into free agency this year is a good thing." ... As of 4 p.m. ET, the Patriots had not contacted representatives for outside linebacker Willie McGinest regarding any potential roster moves. ... The NFL salary cap is set at $94.5 million and the Patriots are reportedly about $4 million under that figure, meaning they don't have to cut any players today to be in compliance with league rules. ... The Patriots waived receiver Cedric James, who was allocated to NFL Europe in 2005 but never emerged with the team.