The Jets have signed free agent linebacker Bruce Carter, a former second-round draft choice.

Carter (6'2", 240) played 14 games for Tampa Bay last season, including starts in three of the last four games at MLB. The Buccaneers released him on March 8.

He spent his first four NFL seasons with Dallas, which selected him in Round 2 (40th overall) of the 2011 draft out of North Carolina.

He played 49 games (32 starts) with the Cowboys, his most impressive season being 2014, when he used his pass coverage skills to grab five interceptions, returning one for a touchdown vs St. Louis. He is one of five NFL 'backers with at least five INTs in a season since 2008.

He became an unrestricted free agent after that season and signed with the Bucs.

Carter has proven versatile in his five NFL seasons, playing the Will, Sam and Mike LB positions in 63 games (35 starts) and collecting five sacks, 13 QB hits, 16 pass defenses (including the five INTs in '14) and 274 tackles on defense, plus 15 more tackles on special teams.