Andre Carter, New England Patriots strike contract

The New England Patriots are bringing back an old friend.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that free-agent defensive end Andre Carter signed a one-year contract with the team, per a source involved in the process. Carter flew in Monday night and signed Tuesday, Rapoport reported.

ESPN's Josina Anderson first reported Carter's intentions to sign with New England, and the team announced it Wednesday morning.

The Patriots brought Carter in for a workout earlier this month, but it's unfair to expect much from the 34-year-old defender. He was underwhelming in 13 games for the Raiders last season after logging 14 starts and 10 sacks for New England in 2011.

The pass rusher hadn't played a snap all season after being released by the Oakland Raiders in August.

The Patriots want to pad a defensive roster that has been thinned by season-ending injuries to Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo. Behind ends Rob Ninkovich and Chandler Jones, New England has leaned on Jake Bequette and Michael Buchanan at the position. Look for Carter to steal snaps from Buchanan as a rusher in nickel and dime subpackages -- but he's no savior.

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