Patriots sign Buckley, release three players

FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) – The New England Patriots announced Tuesday they have signed cornerback Terrell Buckley and released three other players.

Buckley, 32, an unrestricted free agent, had previously played in 31 games with the Patriots in the 2002 season, as well as in the 2001 season that culminated with a Patriots Super Bowl victory. Buckley had a fumble recovery that led to a Patriots touchdown in the game.

The 12-year veteran spent last season with the Miami Dolphins, and he has also played for the Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos.

The team declined to disclose the terms of his contract.

Buckley ranks third among active NFL players with 47 career interceptions for 763 yards with six touchdowns. He has been credited with 541 tackles, nine forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. A Pascagoula, Miss. native who attended Florida St., he was selected with the fifth pick in the 1992 NFL draft by Green Bay.

Released by the team were running back Frank Moreau, fullback Philip Crosby and long snapper Sean McDermott.

McDermott was signed as a free agent in December. Crosby an Moreau were signed as free agents in February

Bills sign 7th-round pick, WR Smith

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) – Receiver Jonathan “Freddie” Smith, the second of Buffalo’s two seventh-round draft picks, signed with the Bills on Tuesday.

Smith, the 214th player selected in April’s draft, was a versatile threat at Georgia Tech, where he also served as a punt returner, halfback and quarterback. In four seasons, he finished with 174 catches for 2,238 yards to rank fourth among Yellow Jacket receivers. He also had 12 touchdowns.

Already deep at receiver, the Bills hope Smith can develop into a capable return man.

Smith is the third of Buffalo’s six draft picks to sign with the team. Left to sign are the Bills top-three selections, receiver Lee Evans and quarterback J.P. Losman, both first-rounders, and third-round defensive end Tim Anderson.