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April 17, 2007
James agrees
The Patriots have reached an agreement in principle on a one-year contract with free-agent cornerback Tory James.
The agreement was initially reported by ESPN's John Clayton and the NFL Network's Adam Schefter.
Those reports have since been confirmed by a league source.
James, who turns 34 next month, has played for Denver (1996-99), Oakland (2000-2002) and Cincinnati (2003-2006). In his 11 seasons in the NFL, he has played all 16 games in a season in all but two years. He has 39 career interceptions, with 21 coming in the last four years.
At 6-foot-2, 192 pounds, James adds size and depth to the Patriots' cornerback corps.
From an update posted here April 9, the Patriots' cornerback breakdown looks like this (with James added today, even though he hasn't officially signed):
Players under contract:
Willie Andrews -- Seventh-round draft choice in 2006 plays both cornerback and safety. Was used primarily on special teams in 2006. Contract through 2009.
Ellis Hobbs -- A third-round draft choice in 2005, he has started 17 regular-season games over two seasons, while playing in 31 games. Projects as a starter in 2007. Contract through 2009.
Eddie Jackson -- Free-agent signee is recovering from an ACL injury and likely won't be ready for action until October at the earliest. Enters his fourth NFL season in 2007 and has been primarily a special teams player. Contract through 2008.
Tory James -- Free-agent agrees to one-year deal with the Patriots. Adds a veteran to the mix. Contract through 2007.
Chad Scott -- Enters his 11th season and is coming off a year in which he started nine games. At 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, he is the sturdiest corner on the team, and also is an emergency option at safety. Contract through 2007.
Players who have yet to sign their tender offers:
Randall Gay -- Restricted free agent was tendered a one-year, $1.3 million contract. Had his best season as a rookie in 2004 when he started 12 games (including playoffs).
Asante Samuel -- A fourth-round draft choice in 2003, he was assigned the franchise tag this offseason. If he signs the tender, it would pay him $7.79 million on a one-year deal.
Exclusive rights free agents who have yet to officially sign:
Antwain Spann -- Second-year player appeared in eight games in 2006, primarily on special teams.
Gemara Williams -- Joined the team as a rookie free agent in 2006 but didn't make the roster after sustaining an injury. The former University of Buffalo product is listed on the team's most recent roster. Like Spann, he projects mostly as a special teams contributor at this time.
