Dolphins Snag LB Porter; Bucs Pick Up Former Giant Petitgout

Joey Porter wasn't unemployed for long.

The trash-talking linebacker, cut last week by Pittsburgh to save salary cap room, agreed to a fiveyear, $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 tomorrow.

Porter's 60 sacks rank fourth in Steelers' history. His addition is part of what's becoming a major roster overhaul by the Dolphins, who were 6–10 last season, and new coach Cam Cameron. Already, Miami has either released or traded seven players who started at least one game on offense in 2006 along with defensive linemen Kevin Carter and Dan Wilkinson.

In another move yesterday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their offensive line by signing freeagent tackle Luke Petitgout.

Petitgout spent the last eight seasons with the Giants, who selected him in the first round of the 1999 draft. He's appeared in 113 games, including 106 starts, and has blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher six of his eight years in the league.

The 30-year-old started nine games at left tackle before breaking a leg against Chicago on November 12 and missing the remainder of last season. He's also started games at left guard and right tackle during his career.