Tony Carter (32) returns an interception for a touchdown as Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) defends and outside linebacker Wesley Woodyard (52) looks on in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)

Denver Broncos cornerback Tony Carter signed his exclusive-rights free agent tender Monday.

Carter played in 15 games last season which was a career high. He tied for the team lead with 12 passes defensed, and he scored two defensive touchdowns. The fifth year player out of Florida State has played in 22 regular season games (1 start) during his stints with Denver and New England (2010). He has 26 career tackles, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.

Tony Carter walks off the field after the Broncos beat the San Diego Chargers 35-24 at Qualcomm Stadium. (Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE)

Denver Broncos cornerback Tony Carter is listed second on the depth chart behind Tracy Porter, but he played like he should be listed first during the team’s 35-24 win over the San Diego Chargers.

Carter first came up with a recovered fumble and went the distance for six points. His score made it so the Broncos were only down 10 with 4:41 left in the third quarter. At that point, the game seemed more manageable.

Then when the Broncos were down by three points, Carter intercepted Philip Rivers with 11 minutes, 11 seconds left in the game. That takeaway led to a quick touchdown on a Peyton Manning-to-Brandon Stokley 21-yard pass.

“It’s hard to measure heart,” John Fox said of Carter. “We have all kinds of physical measurements we use. Tony’s a guy that in stature is not the largest human being there is, but he’s worked very hard.”

Carter is listed as 5’9″, 175 pounds. His heart has to be big. He signed with the Broncos out of Florida State as an undrafted free agent, and he’s lasted four years in a league that’s not kind to those who enter undrafted.

While at Florida State, Carter started all 50 career games he played in, recording 139 tackles, 9 interceptions, and 26 pass deflections. He returned three of those interceptions for touchdowns, and recovered one fumble and ran it for a touchdown.

Carter’s entrance into the NFL wasn’t smooth sailing, as is the case with most undrafted rookies. He spent the majority of his rookie year on the Broncos’ practice squad, but suited up in two regular season games that season.

The New England Patriots thought enough of Carter to sign him in 2010. He spent 14 weeks on the practice squad and suited up for the final three weeks of their season.

Then, Carter came back to Denver and played in the club’s final three regular season games and both playoff games in 2011.

“My hat’s off to him and how hard he’s worked, taking advantage of his opportunities,” Fox said.

He worked hard enough in camp that he made the team over veteran Drayton Florence. The Broncos only kept four cornerbacks on the roster. He got plenty of playing time in the nickel Monday night because the team moved Chris Harris into Tracy Porter’s (Illness) starting spot.

It will be interesting to see what happen in the weeks after the bye. Porter is a big playmaker, but that also means he’s a big risk taker. He’s routinely susceptible to getting beat, especially when opposing quarterbacks tend to steer away from Champ Bailey’s side of the field.

Harris and Carter provided more stability in the secondary, and I’d expect them to see more time even if Porter is healthy. The team has to groom their young players if they want to be a contender in the future.

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Tony Carter returns a punt during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE)

Tony Carter is a guy you can’t help but root for. The undrafted backup cornerback out of Florida State has already been on a long five-year ride in his quest to make the Denver Broncos’ roster.

Carter signed with the Broncos in 2009 and was released twice by the team. He was also cut by the New England Patriots and the Minnesota Vikings before getting another chance with Denver. Carter was placed on the practice squad three times with two stints on the active roster.

Last season he played in just three games for the Broncos.

This year, however, Carter was determined to make it his year.

“He was just one of the top guys in the group,” defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said about why Carter made the roster. “We end up keeping five corners over there and he was one of the top five.”

Carter made the team over veteran Drayton Florence who the Broncos signed to a 2-year, $4.5 million contract in the off season. It was the biggest surprise among the Broncos’ roster trimmings.

“I think he understands what he’s great at,” Champ Bailey said. “I think that’s part of maturing is know your strengths, know your weaknesses. You see his speed, you see how quick he is. Now he’s just showing up because he knows how to play the game now.”

Carter excelled as a cover corner in camp while Florence struggled in preseason games. Carter ended preseason with 10 tackles and a couple of pass deflections.

Starting CB in the nickel and dime Chris Harris hasn’t been able to practice all week because of an ankle injury. If he’s not able to go on Monday night, Carter will be called upon.

“He’s a great cover corner and those are hard to come by,” Bailey said of Carter.

This is the opportunity he’s been waiting for.

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