The New England Patriots signed defensive end Andre Carter to a one-year contract.  Carter, a first round pick in the 2001 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers out of the University of California, has 442 tackles, 66 sacks and 1 safety in his career. Carter announced his own signing via Twitter.

Washington Redskins linebacker Andre Carter (99) hits Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9), jarring the ball loose, during the first quarter of their NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010.He played with San Francisco from 2001 through 2005 where he started as a defensive end and was moved to outside linebacker when they shifted to a 3-4 defense.

In 2006, Carter signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Washington Redskins who moved him back to defensive end where he flourished until they changed last season to a 3-4 under new coach Mike Shanahan and he saw his playing time reduced.

Carter, whose real first name is Rubin, is the son of former Denver Broncos defensive lineman Rubin Carter who played in two Super Bowls.  His dad in honor of his Denver teammate and close friend, Andre Townsend, gave him his middle name.

The Patriots also announced Sunday night that they have released CB Thad Turner.  Turner an undrafted free agent out of Ohio University originally signed with Indianapolis before coming to New England as a practice squad member last November.

The team also placed OL Kyle Hix, a rookie free agent from the University of Texas, on the injured reserve list effectively ending his season.  Hix signed on July 27th shortly after the lockout was lifted.  The team did not disclose what his injury is.

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Photo credit: AP Photo