The Denver Broncos on Wednesday signed free-agent defensive back Tyrone Poole, Head Coach Mike Shanahan announced. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Denver also on Wednesday released fourth-year cornerback Christian Morton.

Poole (5-foot-8, 190 pounds) is a 13th-year defensive back who has played for Oakland (2006), New England (2003-05), Denver (2002), Indianapolis (1998-2000) and Carolina (1995-97) during his NFL career. Poole, who competed in Houston's 2007 training camp in his most recent NFL action, entered the league with the Panthers as a first-round (22nd overall) choice in the 1995 NFL Draft from Fort Valley State University.

In 142 career regular-season games (112 starts), Poole has totaled 477 tackles (403 solo), 18 interceptions (231 yds.), six sacks (45 yds.), 121 pass breakups, nine forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. The defensive back has started at least 12 games in a season seven times and also owns 58 career punt returns for 429 yards (7.4 avg.).

For his playoff career, Poole has appeared in seven games (6 starts) and owns 25 tackles (20 solo), five pass breakups and one fumble recovery. He started for New England in its Super Bowl XXXVIII win against Carolina during the 2003 season, a year in which he started all 16 games and tied for the club's regular-season interception lead with a career-high six.

During his one season with the Broncos in 2002, Poole saw time in all 16 games (4 starts). He finished the year with 51 tackles (41 solo), one sack (6 yds.), 10 pass breakups and one forced fumble.

A four-year starter at Fort Valley State who became the first player in school history to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, Poole attended LaGrange High School in LaGrange, Ga. He was born on Feb. 3, 1972.

Poole will wear No. 39 for the Broncos.