Apparently Peyton Manning does have quite the pull around the NFL when it comes to recruitment. For the Bengals fans who were holding out hope that the team was still in negotiations with former Saints cornerback, Tracy Porter, prepare to be disappointed. According to ESPN insider, Adam Schefter, the Denver Broncos have signed Porter to a one-year deal.
Peyton Manning's Broncos.
Former Saints CB Tracy Porter reached agreement on a one-year deal withIf you remember, the Bengals spent the early portion of free agency wooing the defensive back and many fans were hoping he'd land here. While this isn't as disappointing of news as it would have been roughly a week ago, the signing still could have solidified a position group and left them team's draft options in the first couple of rounds wide open. For those who preferred Porter over the recently-inked Jason Allen, this does sting--especially the fact that Porter settled on a one-year deal. It could have just been a matter of not being a good fit for both parties--both financially and roster-wise.
The Bengals have re-upped cornerback Adam Jones, and while he's not going to solve any long-term issues at the cornerback position, he and Allen do provide depth. Still, seeing that Porter could've been had for as little as a one-year deal is a head-scratcher as to why he wasn't signed here. Regardless, he was wise to choose not to return to New Orleans, given their recent "bounty gate" punishments.