Tampa Bay Buccaneers Update: Joel Glazer Criticizes Raheem Morris, Praises Greg Schiano

In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Buccaners co-chairman Joel Glazer talked about many subjects. Primarily on the hiring of new head coach Greg Schiano from Rutgers, the signing of free agents like Vincent Jackson and whether or not integrity was lost during the final season of Raheem Morris' tenure as head coach.

Glazer had this to say about hiring Schiano.

It was amazing the more one person after another had more and more positive things to say about coach Schiano, whether it was his integrity, whether it was his football smarts, whether it's the way he deals with players, the way he teaches, his approach.

Schiano does have a reputation coming from how he turned a Rutgers program from a punchline to a contender and produced such NFL players like Ray Rice.

What about former coach Raheem Morris? Did things really sour that badly in the locker room during a 10-game losing streak to end the season?

You've got to have sustained success, you've got to stand for certain things in our community and I think that's what people are going to see with coach Schiano. He has something he stands for and his beliefs, and the locker room is going to see he stands for certain things

So falling back after a surprisingly good year in addition to not really earning respect in the community was enough to get the ax.

Maybe after a year like last year a new voice was needed. Maybe Schiano's no-nonsense style of coaching will lead the Bucs back to success.

For all the latest on Buccaneer free agency, make sure to keep visiting this StoryStream. For all the latest news and analysis on the Bucs, visit Bucs Nation. Still not enough for you? Stop by the SB Nation Hub Page for all the latest free agency and draft news from around the NFL.

Ronde Barber Re-Signs With Tampa Bay Buccaneers, According To Report

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been very active in free agency, but they were able to make a quiet move on Wednesday bringing back long time cornerback Ronde Barber for his 16th NFL season, all with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers according to a report by Jay Glazer of FOX Sports.

Barber, the Buccaneers cornerback who had been mulling retirement, has decided that he will return for his 16th season in Tampa Bay, Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reports.

Barber has started for the Bucs since the 1998 season and has been a key to their defense during his career. Even as Barber's age has increased, his play has not really declined all that much. Barber contemplated retirement, but the Bucs were able to get him to return for another season.

For all the latest on Buccaneer free agency, make sure to keep visiting this StoryStream. For all the latest news and analysis on the Bucs, visit Bucs Nation. Still not enough for you? Stop by the SB Nation Hub Page for all the latest free agency and draft news from around the NFL.

Buccaneers Free Agency 2012: Will Tampa Bay Show Interest In Tim Tebow?

With Peyton Manning signing in Denver to play quarterback for the Broncos, Tim Tebow's future with that organization has become a little murky. A trade seems likely, and as always, the Florida teams are considered a likely landing spot considering Tebow's draw in that state. Even though the Buccaneers have Josh Freeman under center, the guys over at Bucs Nation like the thought of bringing him aboard.

Why the heck not? Wouldn't it be fun to see a sold out Raymond James, filled to brim with fans excited to see their players take the field....even if their focus is just on one guy? We all due respect to Dan Orolovsky, he certainly can't give you that kind of bump. I may be on the train to CrazyTown, but I have on my Tim Tebow Superman pajamas. Who's with me?

Even if Freeman starts, there is no doubting that Tebow can be useful as a goal line threat and on gadget plays. He wouldn't take a lot to acquire and he doesn't make a ton of money. If nothing else, it would ensure no more blackouts for the Buccaneers. Maybe that in itself is worth it.

For all the latest on Buccaneer free agency, make sure to keep visiting this StoryStream. For all the latest news and analysis on the Bucs, visit Bucs Nation. Still not enough for you? Stop by the SB Nation Hub Page for all the latest free agency and draft news from around the NFL.

2012 NFL Free Agency: Buccaneers Sign Back Up Quarterback Dan Orlovsky

The Buccaneers are not quite done with their free agency spending spree, but the level of the players they are signing has decreased a little bit. After a whirlwind few days of signing big name players, the Buccaneers have locked up a player who will play backup quarterback for them in Dan Orlovsky.

Buccaneers announced they signed QB Dan Orlovsky to a two-year contract.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2012

Orlovsky was a member of the Indianapolis Colts last season when he was part of a really ineffective quarterback unit with Curtis Painter. He threw for over 1,200 yards and six touchdowns. He is a player that can fill in adequately for Josh Freeman should an injury ever arise.

For all the latest on Buccaneer free agency, make sure to keep visiting this StoryStream. For all the latest news and analysis on the Bucs, visit Bucs Nation. Still not enough for you? Stop by the SB Nation Hub Page for all the latest free agency and draft news from around the NFL.

Buccaneers Free Agency 2012: Jeff Faine Reacts To Being Released

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been adding players to their roster left and right so far in free agency, but they have also let some players go. The most recent is center Jeff Faine, who had this to say about his being released, via Bucs Nation.

''I’d like to thank the Buccaneers for giving me the chance to play for my hometown team four years ago. The move is bittersweet, but I leave in great health, excited and energized for my next opportunity. Although our record wasn’t what any of us wanted it to be, I’ll look at my time in Tampa with fond memories and thankful for the many friendships made – especially the comradarie on the offensive line with Donald Penn, Jeremy Trueblood, Davin Joseph, Jeremy Zuttah. I look forward to seeing Josh Freeman and some of the other young talent become bright stars in this league.''

Faine was the center of the Buccaneers line for a number of years, so it is understandable that he would be upset with his release, but he handled with class and like a true professional.

For all the latest on Buccaneer free agency, make sure to keep visiting this StoryStream. For all the latest news and analysis on the Bucs, visit Bucs Nation. Still not enough for you? Stop by the SB Nation Hub Page for all the latest free agency and draft news from around the NFL.

2012 NFL Free Agency: Buccaneers Sign Former Saints Guard Carl Nicks

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had the most cap space in the NFL entering Free Agency, and they seem intent on using up every single bit of it. After signing Vincent Jackson to a big contract on Tuesday, they signed the best offensive lineman on the market in Carl Nicks early on Wednesday.

Tampa Bay reached agreement with former Saints guard Carl Nicks on a five-year, $47.5 million deal including $31 million guaranteed.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2012

The benefit of this signing is two-fold: First, they pick up the best guard in football to help solidify their offensive line. And secondly, they help make a division opponent a little bit weaker by taking away one of their best players. This is a very good (if expensive) move for the Buccaneers, and along with Vincent Jackson, should lead to an improved offense.

For all the latest on Buccaneer free agency, make sure to keep visiting this StoryStream. For all the latest news and analysis on the Bucs, visit Bucs Nation. Still not enough for you? Stop by the SB Nation Hub Page for all the latest free agency and draft news from around the NFL.

2012 NFL Free Agency: Buccaneers Reach Agreement With Cornerback Eric Wright

After a whirlwind day for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday, they have reached the first deal of the second day of free agency as well, this time with cornerback Eric Wright.

First deal of day is in: CB Eric Wright reached agreement with Tampa Bay, signing deal today.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2012

Wright has been in the NFL for five years, playing with the Detroit Lions last year after four years in Cleveland. He is not a front line cornerback, so I don't think the Buccaneers expect him to be anything other than depth at the position, which is something they sorely needed.

For all the latest on Buccaneer free agency, make sure to keep visiting this StoryStream. For all the latest news and analysis on the Bucs, visit Bucs Nation. Still not enough for you? Stop by the SB Nation Hub Page for all the latest free agency and draft news from around the NFL.

NFL Free Agency 2012: Vincent Jackson Signs 5-Year Deal With Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2012 NFL free agency season with more cap space than any other team, a whopping $45 million. The Bucs wasted little time using that space, as they signed star wide receiver Vincent Jackson to a mammoth five-year deal, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Via @AdamSchefter:

Vincent Jackson deal in Tampa: 5 yrs, $55.55 million, including $26 million guaranteed, $36 million in 1st 3 yrs, $26 million in 1st 2 yrs.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2012

It's certainly the biggest deal of the short free agency period so far. Jackson had 60 catches for 1100 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He's 29 years old and this will be his 8th season in the league, with all of the previous seven coming in San Diego.

For all the latest on Buccaneer free agency, make sure to keep visiting this StoryStream. For all the latest news and analysis on the Bucs, visit Bucs Nation. Still not enough for you? Stop by the SB Nation Hub Page for all the latest free agency and draft news from around the NFL.

NFL Free Agency: Curtis Lofton May Have Priced Himself Out of a Deal with Buccaneers

From 1010 Sports’ Justin Pawlowski who early in the day reported that he was 100% sure Lofton would sign with the Bucs

@EricWCarroll42 nope spot on, but lofton surprised everyone with $9m a year demand

— Justin Pawlowski (@CommishOnline) March 13, 2012

The Latest from 1040am’s Tom Krasniqi

Bucs aren’t close to signing Curtis Lofton. In fact,I don’t think it’s gonna happen period.

— Tom Krasniqi (@TKras) March 14, 2012

NFL Free Agency: Reports Conflicting on Lofton, Bucs close on Jackson, Nicks, Interested in Tolbert, Wright

Originally published on BucsNation.com

Updated: 7:15 pm

Latest on Mike Tolbert

Tampa Bay Times' Stephen Holder is reporting the Bucs have an interest in Mike Tolbert

Bucs have been in contact with Mike Tolbert as well, but I would not expect an immediate decision with him. Has interest from numerous teams

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 13, 2012

Latest on Eric Wright

Adam Schefter is reporting the Bucs are also among teams chasing free agent CB Eric Wright

San Francisco, Washington and Tampa Bay all pursuing free-agent CB Eric Wright.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2012

Latest on Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks

Jason LaCanfora reports -

Bucs could weill end up with Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks. Would be quite the dual press conference, eh? #freeagency

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 13, 2012

Stephen Holder's latest on Vincent Jackson

Have heard nothing so far to suggest anything has changed on the Vincent Jackson/Bucs front. Still full steam ahead, tho not done yet.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 13, 2012

Stephen Holder's latest on Carl Nicks.

Source indicating that Carl Nicks' visit to Tampa is only scheduled visit thus far. Sounds like Bucs will get first crack at him.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 13, 2012

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Bucs are after both San Diego Wide Out Vincent Jackson and New Orleans Guard Carl Nicks.

In addition to trying to sign WR Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers trying to sign G Carl Nicks. Two top free agents could be Tampa bound.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2012

Pewter Report says the Bucs have a visit with Nicks setup.

Sources tell PewterReport.com that guard Carl Nicks will be visiting Tampa Bay this week.

— Buccaneers News (@PewterReport) March 13, 2012

Updated: San Diego Beat Writer Kevin Acee is confirming V-Jax to Tampa Bay

It's over. After seven years, it appears VJ headed to Tama Bay.

— UTKevinAcee (@UTKevinAcee) March 13, 2012

Jackson almost a Buccaneer sdut.us/xVJkl2 #sdut

— UTKevinAcee (@UTKevinAcee) March 13, 2012

Latest on Curtis Lofton

Early in the day, 1010 am Sports Justin Pawlowski is reporting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Curtis Lofton

My source tells me that it is 100% done that the Buccaneers have signed Curtis Lofton to a contract

— Justin Pawlowski (@CommishOnline) March 13, 2012

But now is stating this -

@bmich24 i'm checking. Last i heard there were details to work out. If you don't get lofton then go get tulloch! Lofton's loss then!

— Justin Pawlowski (@CommishOnline) March 13, 2012

Tampa Bay Times and Pewter Report are advising caution...

Pewter Report's Mark Cook latest update (7:10pm):

Lofton to Bucs premature. Thought to be still interested in Atlanta's LB but deal is nowhere near done.

— Mark Cook (@MarkCook1970) March 13, 2012

Stephen Holder says...

RT @MaxLuckan Can you confirm report that Bucs have signed Curtis Lofton?>>> That's premature based on what we're told. All I know rt now

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 13, 2012

And official Pewter Report...

Doesn't look like MLB Curtis Lofton will be signing with the Bucs today ... or maybe at all based on what PewterReport.com is hearing.

— Buccaneers News (@PewterReport) March 13, 2012

For all the latest on Buccaneer free agency, make sure to keep visiting this StoryStream. For all the latest news and analysis on the Bucs, visit Bucs Nation. Still not enough for you? Stop by the SB Nation Hub Page for all the latest free agency and draft news from around the NFL.

NFL Free Agency 2012: Buccaneers Looking At Eric Wright, According To Reports

ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted Tuesday evening that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are pursuing free-agent cornerback Eric Wright.

The 26-year-old just finished his 5th season in the NFL. With the Detroit Lions in 2011, Wright had 77 tackles with four interceptions. He was in Detroit for only one season after being with the Cleveland Browns from 2007 to 2010. Wright was drafted in the second round of the 2007 draft with the 53rd pick.

The move continues a busy beginning to free agency for the Bucs, as they have been reported to be nearing a deal with free-agent wide receiver Vincent Jackson.

For all the latest on Buccaneer free agency, make sure to keep visiting this StoryStream. For all the latest news and analysis on the Bucs, visit Bucs Nation. Still not enough for you? Stop by the SB Nation Hub Page for all the latest free agency and draft news from around the NFL.

Bucs Close on V-Jax, Nicks and Lofton?

Updated: 5:38pm

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Bucs are after both San Diego Wide Out Vincent Jackson and New Orleans Guard Carl Nicks.

In addition to trying to sign WR Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers trying to sign G Carl Nicks. Two top free agents could be Tampa bound.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2012

Pewter Report says the Bucs have a visit with Nicks setup.

Sources tell PewterReport.com that guard Carl Nicks will be visiting Tampa Bay this week.

— Buccaneers News (@PewterReport) March 13, 2012

In addition, 1010 am Sports Justin Pawlowski is reporting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Curtis Lofton

My source tells me that it is 100% done that the Buccaneers have signed Curtis Lofton to a contract

— Justin Pawlowski (@CommishOnline) March 13, 2012

Rick Stroud and Pewter Report are advising caution...

Bucs fans should pump the brakes on Curtis Lofton, we are told.

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 13, 2012

Bucs sources tell Pewter Report that Curtis Lofton has neither signed w/Bucs nor agreed to terms ... doesn't mean a deal isn't coming though

— Buccaneers News (@PewterReport) March 13, 2012

However, Fox News is confirming Pawlowski's report.

Fox Sports now confirming Bucs get Curtis Lofton. No confirmation from the Bucs.

— Kevin O'Donnell (@ODonnellFox13) March 13, 2012

Times Bucs Beat Writer Stephen Holder is reporting that the Bucs are close to signing San Diego Wide Receiver Vincent Jackson

Sources saying Vincent Jackson to Bucs close to done deal. Awaiting more confirmation

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 13, 2012

Other Jackson interested parties have gone to other avenues with the Bears trading for Brandon Marshall, the Redskins signing Pierre Garcon and the Bills preparing a visit for Laurent Robinson.

Updated: San Diego Beat Writer Kevin Acee is confirming V-Jax to Tampa Bay

It's over. After seven years, it appears VJ headed to Tama Bay.

— UTKevinAcee (@UTKevinAcee) March 13, 2012

NFL Free Agency: Report Says Bucs Have Signed Falcons LB Curtis Lofton

1010 am Sports Justin Pawlowski is reporting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed Curtis Lofton

My source tells me that it is 100% done that the Buccaneers have signed Curtis Lofton to a contract

— Justin Pawlowski (@CommishOnline) March 13, 2012

;

NFL Free Agency: Vincent Jackson To Sign With Buccaneers, According To Reports

Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times has tweeted that the Buccanners and former San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson "is close to a done deal". He reports that the Bucs "have put a full-court press on him" to try and steer other teams toward other options.

Jackson has been one of the more attractive free agents on the market and drew interest from numerous teams.

In 2011, Jackson had just 60 receptions yet had 1,106 receiving yards and had nine receiving touchdowns. In seven professional seasons, Jackson has had three years of 1,000 or more receiving yards and has been elected to the Pro Bowl twice.

For the latest on Tampa Bay free agency, keep it to this StoryStream. For more on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, make sure to visit Bucs Nation. For all the latest news around the NFL during free agency, stop by the SB Nation NFL Hub Page.

2012 NFL Free Agency: Bucs Dream Team Jackson and Finnegan May Be Out

Originally published on Bucs Nation

Last week, Tampa Bay sports radio waves were all sent a flutter when Yahoo Sports Jason Cole reported that Titans free agent cornerback Cortland Finnegan was actively recruiting fellow top rated free agency WR Vincent Jackson to join Tampa Bay.

Apparently, something has drastically changed.

Not anymore, market changed RT @Broy3434: @JasonColeYahoo is there a good chance your report comes true and Vjack and Finnegan join up in TB

— Jason Cole (@JasonColeYahoo) March 13, 2012

You have to wonder if the Bucs are taking a more economical approach. Would Finnegan and Jackson be a better combo than Lofton, Nicks, Garcon and Brandon Carr?

Finnegan was said to be an $11 million dollar player, Jackson is hoping to be in the $12 million range.

Stay tuned to Bucs Nation as we will have a Free Agency open thread opening shortly.

Curtis Lofton in Tampa?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have an interest in Atlanta Linebacker Curtis Lofton. According to 1010 Sport's Justin Palowski, there are rumors that Lofton may be a first day signing for the Bucs.

I have heard that Curtis Lofton might be in Tampa today and one of the first free agents to sign after 4:00. #Revenge

— Justin Pawlowski (@CommishOnline) March 13, 2012

Buccaneers Free Agency 2012: Tampa Bay Has $44 Million To Spend

NFL Free Agency is just about six hours away, which means that teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a crazy amount of cap room may not look the same tomorrow as they look today. Our Buccaneers blog Bucs Nation reports that Tampa Bay has about $44 million in cap space, and they also have a pretty good idea of where they may use it.

The team has a lot of different needs, and while they have plenty of room, they cannot sign premium free agents at every position. The Bucs must add a cornerback, a linebacker, a guard (assuming they cut Jeff Faine), a third-down back and preferably a number one receiver. Looking at the depth at each position, the available players, and the Bucs' needs there are two positions where they could immediately sign premium free agents, while reinforcing the team with second-tier free agents at other positions.

They ultimately cut Faine this morning. Two of the big name targets that have been linked to the Buccaneers a lot this offseason are Vincent Jackson and Cortland Finnegan. They can afford to sign both of them and still have a pretty large amount of cap room to add to their team.

For more Buccaneers coverage, visit Bucs Nation. For complete coverage of free agency, visit SB Nation’s NFL hub.

NFL Free Agency: Bucs To Release Jeff Faine, Clear More Salary Cap Room

With NFL Free Agency set to start on Tuesday afternoon, the Buccaneers have made a move that will clear even more cap space to sign free agents. According to Pat Yasinskas of ESPN, the Buccaneers have released long time center Jeff Faine.

Faine will turn 31 in April. Although he started 15 games last season, he dealt with injury problems in the seasons before that. Then there’s the financial aspect. Since the Bucs already have absorbed all the prorations on Faine’s contract, there would be no salary-cap implications if they release him. In fact, they instantly would clear up $5.925 million in cap room.

Faine has played in 117 career games for the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints and Buccaneers. He joined Tampa Bay for the 2008 season and has been with the club ever since. He only played in eight games in 2010 before playing in 15 last year.

For more Buccaneers coverage, visit Bucs Nation. For complete coverage of free agency, visit SB Nation’s NFL hub.

NFL Free Agency 2012: Buccaneers Likely To Cut Jeff Faine, Move Jeremy Zuttah To Center

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting ready to do some shuffling on their offensive line. According to the Tampa Bay Times, center Jeff Faine is likely to be released. That follows a logic next step based on an earlier report that recently re-signed guard Jeremy Zuttah is likely to move to center.

Faine is scheduled to earn $6 million this season, a significant chunk of money for a 31-year old center. He carries an $8 million cap hit this season. He has missed a total of 13 games in his last three seasons.

The same report says that the team views Zuttah as their future center, helping to make Faine expendable. Zuttah is just 25-years old, and seen as the team's center for years to come.

The real question for the Bucs now is how they plan to fill the left guard job vacated by Zuttah's move to the middle. Free agent Carl Nick would be at the top of any team's wish list, but he expects to be the league's highest paid interior lineman with his next contract.

Tampa already has $42.7 million in cap space.

For more Buccaneers coverage, visit Bucs Nation. For complete coverage of free agency, visit SB Nation’s NFL hub.

NFL Free Agency 2012: Buccaneers Have $42.7 Million Under The Salary Cap Entering Free Agency

The Buccaneers were already expected to be big players in free agency starting Tuesday, but since the NFL released their official salary cap number of $120.6 million for 2012, we know now that the Bucs have $42.7 million to work with. Looking at what they need, they are going to try and dip into the pool of free agent wide receivers, having already expressed much interest in Vincent Jackson.

Another place that the Bucs may address could be on the offensive line to help the progression of Josh Freeman. If Freeman can get help from both positions and the Bucs have a good draft class that adds more depth to their roster, Tampa Bay could be back in the running for a playoff spot sooner rather than later. However that also is dealing with an NFC South with established powers New Orleans and Atlanta and fast-rising Carolina to boot.

For more Buccaneers coverage, visit Bucs Nation. For complete coverage of free agency, visit SB Nation’s NFL hub.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Give Kicker Connor Barth The Franchise Tag

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers slapped kicker Connor Barth with the franchise tag on Monday afternoon, right before the deadline for NFL teams to use the tag. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the news on Monday afternoon, via Twitter.

Barth was one of the better players for the Bucs last season, on offense anyway. He made 26 of 28 field goal attempts in 2011, including two of three attempts of 50 yards or more. He did not get many chances to kick extra points, but when he did, he was a perfect 23-for-23.

Tampa Bay will owe Barth roughly $2.6 million under the franchise tag this season.

Barth was the fifth kicker to get the franchise tag from NFL teams this spring. A punter also received the tag, Steve Weatherford of the New York Giants. The relatively low cost of the tag for kickers makes it an attractive option for teams to avoid the hassle of finding another kicker.

For more Buccaneers coverage, visit Bucs Nation. For complete coverage of free agency, visit SB Nation’s NFL hub.

Buccaneers Free Agency 2012: Jeremy Zuttah Will Re-Sign With Tampa Bay

We haven't quite reached open NFL Free Agency yet, but the Bucs appear ready to make a move that will help solidify their offensive line. According to the Tampa Bay Times via our Tampa Bay blog Bucs Nation, the team is poised to re-sign backup Jeremy Zuttah. Here is Bucs Nation on how Zuttah will be able to help the team in 2012.

Re-signing Zuttah gives the Bucs a valuable backup who can play multiple positions on the offensive line, and Zuttah could be the long-term starter at center if the team lets current starter Jeff Faine leave. If the Bucs do not cut Faine, Zuttah could still end up as the starter at left guard, although he's not as effective at that position.

The Bucs might need to make some more moves if they plan to improve their offensive line, but Zuttah is a valuable and versatile backup who knows the system, and that is an important piece to have as well.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars, visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country. And for more on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, please head over to Bucs Nation. For more on NFL Free Agency, visit SB Nation's NFL hub.

2012 NFL Free Agency: Jaguars, Buccaneers Could Use Hines Ward

The Steelers intend to release wide receiver Hines Ward, but a hall of fame player like that will most likely catch on with another team, assuming he wants to continue his career on a team other than the Steelers. According to Jason La Canfora, via SB Nation, the Jaguars and Buccaneers make sense as potential landing spots.

NFL Network's Jason La Canfora wonders if a team like the Tampa Bay Bucs or Jacksonville Jaguars could use a veteran receiver like Ward. That makes some sense. I think his best role would be a mentor-type to a team with young receivers. Ward obviously can't be the featured receiver anymore, but he can contribute given the right situation.

It's important to note that this isn't based on any concrete evidence that those teams could consider Ward for their roster, rather just speculation on the reporter's part that those teams could be good fits.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars, visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country. And for more on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, please head over to Bucs Nation. For more on NFL Free Agency, visit SB Nation's NFL hub.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers May Franchise Connor Barth

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an insane amount of salary cap room entering the 2012 NFL offseason with close to $65 million in space. The Buccaneers might spend some of that money by placing the franchise tag on kicker Connor Barth, according to Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik.

"We obviously like Conner Barth a lot,'' Dominik said from the NFL scouting combine Saturday. "He's done a good job for us since he's been a Buccaneer. The truth is we think enough of him that he's not going to be an unrestricted free agent. We'll just figure out where that takes us from here.

"We are having discussions.''

Barth missed just two field goals during the 2011 season and would make close to $2.6 million if he receives the franchise tag. Barth made just $1.9 million for the 2011 season. The Bucs will have until March 5 to decide if they wish to franchise tag Barth or not.

For more on Connor Barth and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, visit SB Nation's Bucs blog Bucs Nation.

2012 NFL Free Agency: Five Free Agents the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Should Keep

Which five free agents Should the Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-sign? SB Nation Tampa Bay gives you the low down.

Albert Haynesworth Released By Tampa Bay Buccaneers, According To Report

The former all-pro is released from Tampa Bay. So whats next for the former all-pro?

2012 NFL Salary Caps: Bucs Have Room; Jaguars, Dolphins Do Not

Tampa Bay Bucs Will Be Active in Free Agency, According To GM Dominik

In a departure from last year's philosophy, Tampa Bay Bucs general manager Mark Dominik vows to be involved in free agency.