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RB Derrick Ward signs with Buccaneers
By FRED GOODALL, AP Sports Writer
19 minutes ago
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This is a Dec. 21, 2008, file …
AP - Mar 3, 12:41 pm EST NFL Gallery TAMPA, Fla. (AP)—The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, retooling offensively after missing the playoffs, signed free agent running back Derrick Ward to a four-year, $17 million contract Tuesday.
The former New York Giants backup rushed for 1,025 yards and two touchdowns in 2008 while sharing playing time with Brandon Jacobs, who also gained over 1,000 yards. The Bucs cleared room in the backfield for the 28-year-old when they released Warrick Dunn last week.
In five pro seasons, Ward has rushed for 1,750 yards and five TDs. He also has 69 receptions for 576 yards and one TD.
Tampa Bay entered the free agent signing period about $61 million beneath the salary cap after cutting Dunn, linebackers Derrick Brooks and Cato June and receivers Ike Hilliard and Joey Galloway.
Under new coach Raheem Morris, the club has made improving the offense a priority. The Bucs placed the franchise tag on receiver Antonio Bryant, assuring him a $9.88 million salary next season, and last weekend re-signed free agent receiver Michael Clayton to a five-year deal worth up to $26 million.
The addition of a proven back such as Ward is essential because starter Earnest Graham is coming off an injury that sidelined him the second half of 2008 and Carnell “Cadillac” Williams has suffered serious knee injuries each of the past two seasons.
Ward entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick of the New York Jets in 2004. His 5.6 yards per carry average last season was the best among players with at least 100 carries, and he and Jacobs became just the fifth set of teammates to gain 1,000 yards on the ground in the same season.
“I’m happy for Derrick. They got a good player. Obviously you hate to lose a good player like Derrick. It’s a good move by Tampa Bay,” New York general manager Jerry Reese said.
By FRED GOODALL, AP Sports Writer
19 minutes ago
Buzz up!0 votes Print
This is a Dec. 21, 2008, file …
AP - Mar 3, 12:41 pm EST NFL Gallery TAMPA, Fla. (AP)—The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, retooling offensively after missing the playoffs, signed free agent running back Derrick Ward to a four-year, $17 million contract Tuesday.
The former New York Giants backup rushed for 1,025 yards and two touchdowns in 2008 while sharing playing time with Brandon Jacobs, who also gained over 1,000 yards. The Bucs cleared room in the backfield for the 28-year-old when they released Warrick Dunn last week.
In five pro seasons, Ward has rushed for 1,750 yards and five TDs. He also has 69 receptions for 576 yards and one TD.
Tampa Bay entered the free agent signing period about $61 million beneath the salary cap after cutting Dunn, linebackers Derrick Brooks and Cato June and receivers Ike Hilliard and Joey Galloway.
Under new coach Raheem Morris, the club has made improving the offense a priority. The Bucs placed the franchise tag on receiver Antonio Bryant, assuring him a $9.88 million salary next season, and last weekend re-signed free agent receiver Michael Clayton to a five-year deal worth up to $26 million.
The addition of a proven back such as Ward is essential because starter Earnest Graham is coming off an injury that sidelined him the second half of 2008 and Carnell “Cadillac” Williams has suffered serious knee injuries each of the past two seasons.
Ward entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick of the New York Jets in 2004. His 5.6 yards per carry average last season was the best among players with at least 100 carries, and he and Jacobs became just the fifth set of teammates to gain 1,000 yards on the ground in the same season.
“I’m happy for Derrick. They got a good player. Obviously you hate to lose a good player like Derrick. It’s a good move by Tampa Bay,” New York general manager Jerry Reese said.