The Associated Press

ALAMEDA, Calif. - Cornerback Ray Buchanan signed Monday with the Raiders, becoming the latest addition to Oakland's revamped defense.

Buchanan, an 11-season veteran who made the Pro Bowl in 1998, spent the last seven seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He has 46 career interceptions, fourth among active players.

Buchanan was a standout early in his tenure with the Falcons, but they waived him last month to avoid a hefty roster bonus. He was benched late last season in a defensive shakeup shortly before coach Dan Reeves was fired.

After last season's 4-12 finish, the Raiders also have signed defensive tackles Warren Sapp and Ted Washington, and linebackers Dwayne Rudd and Danny Clark in the offseason.

LIONS: Unrestricted free agent quarterback Rick Mirer signed a one-year contract with Detroit. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Mirer, entering his 12th NFL season, spent the last two with Oakland. He started eight games in 2003, going 116-of-221 passing for 1,257 yards and three touchdowns.

JETS: Cornerback Jamie Henderson was hospitalized in critical but stable condition in Atlanta following a weekend motorcycle accident.

A Grady Memorial Hospital spokeswoman would give no further details. The Jets issued a statement that Henderson was injured Saturday night but did not comment further.

PATRIOTS: New England re-signed running back Mike Cloud, who played in five games in 2003 after missing the first four games due to a suspension for a violation of the substance abuse policy. He finished the season with 27 carries for 118 yards and a team-high five rushing touchdowns.

GIANTS: New York signed unrestricted free agent defensive end Lorenzo Bromell, who totaled two sacks and 12 tackles while playing the last six games of the 2003 season for Oakland. He signed with the Raiders on Nov. 19 after being released by Minnesota because of a knee injury in training camp.

MC GREW DIES: Lawrence McGrew, a former linebacker who won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants, died. He was 46.

McGrew collapsed at his home Friday and was taken to a hospital, where he died, said Lt. Cheryl MacWillie of the Los Angeles County coroner's office. Cause of death has not been determined.

McGrew spent the bulk of his 11-year NFL career with New England. McGrew, who signed with the Giants during the 1990 season, is survived by his mother, wife, five children and a sister.

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