NFL Free Agency: 30 worst free agency signings this century
By Randy Gurzi
WR. Jacksonville Jaguars. Jerry Porter. 4. player. 52.
4. Worst NFL free agency signings this century: Jerry Porter
A second-round pick out of West Virginia in 2000, Jerry Porter spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Oakland Raiders. He was never able to cross the 1,000-yard plateau but came close in 2004 with 998 yards and in 2005 when he had 942 yards receiving.
Overall, Porter proved to be a reliable weapon for them. In total, Porter was credited with 284 catches for 3,939 yards and 30 touchdowns during his career with the Raiders.
In 2008, the Raiders went all-in on former Green Bay Packers receiver Javon Walker, which left Porter on the outside looking in, as he also hit free agency. He ended up doing just fine for himself in free agency though, as he landed a six-year, $30 million contract ($10 million guaranteed) with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who wanted him to be their No. 1 receiver.
As has been the case with everyone who wound up on this list, Porter never came close to meeting the expectations that followed his contract. He was slowed by hamstring surgery. It took him several weeks to even record a reception for Jacksonville.
His inability to make much progress continued throughout the season. He ended 2008 with just 11 receptions for 181 yards and a touchdown.
Porter was cut in February by Jacksonville and never played in the NFL again. He did have one last chance, as the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes brought him in. However, a torn Achilles ended his chances with them, as well as his professional playing career.