Porter to Miami, Newberry to Oakland

Joey Porter opposite Jason Taylor in Miami's pass rush is a pretty potent combination. <br/><br/>Cam Cameron, the Dolphins' new coach, certainly likes that pairing. His team gave Porter, released

Wednesday, March 7th 2007, 6:18 am

By: News On 6

Joey Porter opposite Jason Taylor in Miami's pass rush is a pretty potent combination.

Cam Cameron, the Dolphins' new coach, certainly likes that pairing. His team gave Porter, released by Pittsburgh last week, a five-year, $32 million contract with $20 million guaranteed, according to a person with knowledge of the discussion who requested anonymity because Porter had not yet passed his physical.

Defensive end Taylor was the league's top defensive player in 2006. Now he'll have the playmaking, albeit inconsistent, Porter helping from outside linebacker, along with two other additions, linemen Kevin Carter and Dan Wilkinson.

Porter's 60 sacks rank fourth in Steelers history.

Another linebacker from the AFC North, Brian Simmons, left Cincinnati for New Orleans on Tuesday. He was the 17th overall pick in the 1998 draft.

Oakland agreed with two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Jeremy Newberry on a $1.5 million, one-year contract. Newberry, a Pro Bowler in 2001-02 with San Francisco, spent all of last season on injured reserve with the 49ers with a damaged left knee. He has played in only 11 games the past three seasons because of various injuries.

But the Raiders are counting on him to help an offensive line that allowed a league-worst 72 sacks last season.

``When this opportunity presented itself, I made it known that I wanted to play across the Bay for the Raiders, as I have a ton of respect for Al Davis and this organization,'' Newberry said. ``I'm very excited about what coach (Lane) Kiffin has got going and I am excited to be reunited with some people that I have worked with in the past.''

Newberry, who turns 31 this month, has played center, tackle and guard in the past and could be used in any of those spots with Oakland.

The Raiders also cleared up salary cap room by restructuring the contracts of running back LaMont Jordan and receiver Ronald Curry. The new deal with Jordan reduces the $4.75 million roster bonus he was due on Wednesday by $1.75 million. Curry signed a five-year deal that could be worth up to $20 million and includes $5 million in guaranteed money.

In other moves Tuesday:

_Tampa Bay signed offensive tackle Luke Petitgout, released by the New York Giants after starting 106 games for them since being drafted in the first round in 1999.

_Kansas City signed linebacker Napoleon Harris, who played two years in Minnesota after being traded there by Oakland in the deal for Randy Moss.

_The Chicago Bears and New York Jets finalized their trade for running back Thomas Jones. He joins the Jets and gives Cedric Benson a clear shot at Chicago's starting job.

_San Francisco signed former New England linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, the fifth free agent it has signed since the signing period began last Friday.

_Baltimore re-signed running back Musa Smith, who has been injured during most of his four seasons with the Ravens.

_Carolina released backup quarterback Chris Weinke, a former Heisman Trophy winner. Weinke struggled when he replaced injured starter Jake Delhomme in three games late last season, throwing two touchdown passes and four interceptions. He had a passer rating of only 67.4.

_New England re-signed Larry Izzo, who has been to the Pro Bowl three times as a special teams player.

_The Vikings signed wide receiver Bobby Wade, who caught 33 passes for 461 yards and two touchdowns last season for Tennessee. He spent the first three years of his career with Chicago. Wade also returns kicks.

_Pittsburgh signed restricted free agent punter Andy Lee to an offer sheet. The San Francisco 49ers have a week to match the offer and keep Lee. If they don't, the Steelers must send a sixth-round draft pick to the 49ers as compensation.