FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) – The New England Patriots signed veteran cornerback Otis Smith, less than a year after the team reluctantly released him as he struggled to recover from a shoulder injury.

Smith, 38, spent last season with the Detroit Lions, where he played in all 16 games, starting the final 13. He had 59 tackles, an interception and 1.5 sacks.

Smith, a 14-year veteran, was a key contributor during New England’s run to 2002 Super Bowl. His interception of St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner set up a field goal in the title game, which New England won 20-17.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick called Smith a “true champion” when he released him last August.

“Nobody has more respect for Otis than I do,” Belichick said at the time. “It’s a difficult roster decision that we made.”

Smith has 564 career tackles, including 5.5 sacks. He has intercepted 29 passes for 645 yards and seven touchdowns.

He originally signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a rookie free agent in 1990. He spent five seasons with the team before joining the Jets in 1995. He signed with the Patriots in 1996, starting nine games, including the playoffs and 1997 Super Bowl loss to Green Bay.

He rejoined the Jets in 1997 and was re-signed by New England just before the 2000 season.

AP-ES-04-13-04 1503EDT