The New Orleans Saints have signed second-round draft choice Tracy Porter to a four-year contract, it was announced today by Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis. The cornerback, selected 40th overall in the NFL Draft, was a four-year starter at Indiana and grew up in Port Allen, La.
Porter had 16 interceptions in his career – including six as a senior – and departed as the only player in school history to return a punt, interception and fumble for a touchdown. He set an Indiana all-time record with 413 yards in interception returns. In 2007 Porter was a first-team All-Big 10 selection. He opened 43 games with the Hoosiers: 29 at right cornerback, 13 on the left and one at strong safety.
In his career, Porter posted 212 tackles (175 solo), 24 pass defenses, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries for 147 yards in returns, including a 74-yard touchdown. He was also a top special teams performer, blocking a kick and returning 35 punts for 477 yards (13.6 avg.) with an 86-yard TD.
The Saints have also terminated the contract of veteran TE Eric Johnson, who joined the club in 2007. Johnson played in 14 games last season, catching 48 passes for 378 yards (7.9 avg.) and two touchdowns.
