Derrick Ward signs with Bucs
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed free-agent RB Derrick Ward to a 4-year contract that is worth $17 million. Ward will earn a 2009 guaranteed salary of $6 million.
Prior to meeting with the Bucs today, Ward visited with the Bengals, Eagles and Broncos. And it didn't seem out of the question that Ward might have returned to the Giants.
Primarily serving in a back-up role to Brandon Jacobs, Ward averaged 5.6 yards/carry last season and rushed for 1025 yards. Although Ward will turn 29 before the season starts, he only has 342 carries in his career.
Ward and Earnest Graham should split the load next year. Graham played only 10 games last year after injuring his ankle in the Minnesota game. Graham carried the ball 132 times for 563 yards and 4 TDs.
This is a good move for the Bucs, who are flush with cash having entered free agency with $61 million in cap space. Over the weekend, they re-signed WR Michael Clayton and traded for Kellen Winslow Jr.
Prior to meeting with the Bucs today, Ward visited with the Bengals, Eagles and Broncos. And it didn't seem out of the question that Ward might have returned to the Giants.
Primarily serving in a back-up role to Brandon Jacobs, Ward averaged 5.6 yards/carry last season and rushed for 1025 yards. Although Ward will turn 29 before the season starts, he only has 342 carries in his career.
Ward and Earnest Graham should split the load next year. Graham played only 10 games last year after injuring his ankle in the Minnesota game. Graham carried the ball 132 times for 563 yards and 4 TDs.
This is a good move for the Bucs, who are flush with cash having entered free agency with $61 million in cap space. Over the weekend, they re-signed WR Michael Clayton and traded for Kellen Winslow Jr.
