ALAMEDA -- With a pass rush that has managed three sacks through its first three games, the Raiders today brought in some veteran reinforcements. The Raiders signed Andre Carter, the former Cal star and San Francisco 49ers first-round pick who had 10 sacks last year for the New England Patriots in an injury-shortened season.
Carter, 33, has played in 163 career games with 76 sacks, the eighth-highest sack total among active NFL players. He was named to the Pro Bowl last year as a starter, but suffered a torn quadriceps on Dec. 20 that caused him to miss the final two games of the regular season and the playoffs.
The Raiders brought Carter in for two workouts -- once during training camp in Napa and once at their headquarters in Alameda -- before signing him. Carter said he went through a rigorous rehab schedule to get back into shape after his injury and that while it will likely take a little while to get comfortable in the Raiders' defense, he feels like he could contribute if called upon right away.
"I would hope so," Carter said. "I'd certainly hope so. If I wasn't ready then I wouldn't be here."
Offensive tackle Joe Barksdale, a third-round pick last year, was cut Wednesday to make room on the active roster.
Carter, a Bay Area native who finished his Cal career as the school's all-time leader with 31 sacks, was the seventh overall selection in the 2001 draft by the 49ers and played five seasons in San Francisco and five seasons with the Washington Redskins before signing last year with the Patriots.
-- Matt Kawahara
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